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Detroit's prohibition past: How the city kept the drinks flowing during the 'war on alcohol'
By Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
Detroit sat at the center of the nation's battle over booze in the 1920s, with smugglers, speakeasies and the Purple Gang all playing a role in keeping alcohol flowing despite the law. Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: How Detroit kept drinks flowing during prohibitionMichigan was ahead of t...
Key takeaway "That act became the blueprint for the 18th Amendment," said Billy Wall-Winkel, a field curator with the Detroit Historical Society.
Why this matters in The Detroit
Detroit's history of defying prohibition laws has lasting implications for the city's current relationship with the alcohol industry. The legacy of speakeasies and smugglers has contributed to a vibrant nightlife scene, with many modern bars and restaurants paying homage to the city's past. The fact that iconic establishments like Tommy's Detroit Bar and Grille still operate in historic buildings, complete with secret entrances and hidden rooms, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Detroit's prohibition-era charm. Furthermore, the city's experience as a hub for illicit alcohol trade has influenced its approach to regulating the industry, with a continued emphasis on balancing public safety with the needs of local businesses. As Detroit continues to revitalize its entertainment districts, understanding the city's complex history with alcohol can inform decisions about licensing, zoning, and community development.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Detroit sat at the center of the nation's battle over booze in the 1920s, with smugglers, speakeasies and the Purple Gang all playing a role in keeping alcohol flowing despite the law. Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: How Detroit kept drinks flowing during prohibitionMichigan was ahead of t...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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