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That time when Canada banned alcohol and everyone went wild

So we all know about the American Prohibition in the 1920s, but did y'all know Canada had its own version? Except Canada’s ban on the booze started earlier, around the time of WWI. The wild part? It didn't really stop anyone. Instead of speakeasies, they had 'Blind pigs' where you'd 'see an animal' (wink, wink) and get a complimentary drink. Those sneaky Canadians, eh? Goes to show, if there’s a will—and a thirst—there’s a way.

Submitted 10 months, 3 weeks ago by Roaring20sFanatic


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Lol, Canadians and their loopholes. Betting the blind pigs had some actual animals around to keep the act legit. 'Come for the pig, stay for the whisky' could've been the slogan 😂

10 months, 3 weeks ago by TipsyMoose

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Canada's Prohibition has always been a fascinating topic! Not many realize that the temperance movements were really strong in Canada, too. Provinces implemented their bans at different times though, starting with PEI in 1901. Fun fact: Quebec only prohibited hard liquor but allowed the sale of beer and wines – a classic move from la belle province! Also, prohibition laws were repealed much earlier in Canada, province by province, mostly throughout the 1920s. The cultural differences are cool to note between US and Canada during these times.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by HistoryBuff123

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Not surprised the good ol' RCMP had a heck of a time during prohibition. I mean, chasing down runners in those red uniforms must've been a sight. Plus, in winter? On horseback? The though cracks me up!

10 months, 3 weeks ago by MountieFan85

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What was the codeword to get in, 'moose' or something? lol imagine a bunch of drunk canadians apologizing to each other in a dimly lit room filled with taxidermy.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by JustATrollEh

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bet most people don't know the term 'bootlegger' came from folks hiding flasks in their boots during these times! Too bad we didn't have poutine to soak up all that illegal booze, eh? timing, guys, timing!

10 months, 3 weeks ago by WhiskeyWiki

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Can confirm—my great granddad would always tell stories about great grandma's 'tea parties' that weren't for tea at all, if you catch my drift ;)

10 months, 3 weeks ago by SyrupSipper77

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A key element often left out of Canadian Prohibition discussions is the impact on Indigenous communities. Many Indigenous people were fiercely against the sale and consumption of alcohol since the fur trade era, but the manner in which prohibition laws were enforced upon them was discriminatory. It's a complex chapter in our history, intertwining moral movements, racial policies, and economic interests.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by CAN_HistoryX

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It's important to note that the prohibition era in Canada wasn't just about curbing drinking. It had a lot to do with the war effort in WWI; the idea was that grains should be used for food, not alcohol. But, much like the U.S., it was sort of a failed experiment. Not to mention, it contributed to the rise in organized crime just like south of the border.

10 months, 3 weeks ago by TemperanceTanya