Stew Leonard's Hosting 1920s-Themed Party For Prohibition's 100th

To mark the 100th anniversary of the start of prohibition in the United States, Stew Leonards of Farmingdale is holding a special event featuring speakeasy-style drinks and more.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, starting at 1 p.m., the store will be featuring speakeasy-style drinks, Roaring 20s costumes and cocktail mixing tips at the store in Airport Plaza in Farmingdale.

Ratified in January of 1919, the 18th Amendment went into effect a year later, by which time no fewer than 33 states had already enacted their own prohibition legislation. In October 1919, Congress passed the National Prohibition Act, which provided guidelines for the federal enforcement of Prohibition. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,” was ratified by Congress in 1919.

Nine months after Prohibition's ratification, Congress passed the Volstead Act, or National Prohibition Act, over President Woodrow Wilson's veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of prohibition, including the creation of a special unit of the Treasury Department. Despite a vigorous effort by law enforcement agencies, the Volstead Act failed to prevent the large-scale distribution of alcoholic beverages, and organized crime flourished in America. In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified, repealing prohibition.

Photo courtesy Stew Leonard's