Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Food

Here's What Prohibition Repeal Looked Like In NYC

By

Jen Carlson

Published Apr 2, 2013

Modified Apr 2, 2013

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

"April 3rd, 1933: Workmen unloading crates of beer stacked at a New York brewery shortly after the repeal of prohibition. The repeal of prohibition was a key policy of Franklin Roosevelt's government as it allowed the government an opportunity to raise tax revenues at a time of economic hardship."

 

Getty Images

View all 3

By

Jen Carlson

Published Apr 2, 2013

Modified Apr 2, 2013

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

While we've stared at horrifying images of beer kegs being smashed during the dry times this city suffered through for 13 years, 10 months, 19 days, 17 hours and 32.5 minutes, what did the days after the prohibition repeal look like? Click through for a look at beer crates stacked higher than the eye can see, a massive line of men waiting on line for a liquor license, and the New York Times front page from December 6th, 1933, declaring that "New York Celebrates With Quiet Restraint."

Of course, if you want to relive the prohibition era, you can always head to 21 Club and ask for a tour of their old wine cellar, which is still hidden behind a secret door in the kitchen.

Tagged

prohibition

repeal

Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE food

Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.

The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.

By

Hannah Frishberg

Published Oct 19, 2026

North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.

Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.

By

Robert Sietsema

Food

North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.

Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.

By

Robert Sietsema

10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City

By

Robert Sietsema

Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.

By

Sonia Rao

5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's

By

Hannah Frishberg

Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .