Prohibition - Jefferson Liquor Company storefront, 1919

Jefferson Liquor Company storefront located at 15 North Liberty Street in Baltimore, Maryland. Signage on the storefront reads “Prohibition takes effect July 1st / Buy now and save money.” Prior to ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment, the U.S. Congress passed the temporary Wartime Prohibition Act on November 18, 1918, which banned the sale of alcoholic beverages having an alcohol content of greater than 1.28%. The Act took effect June 30, 1919, with July 1, 1919 becoming known as the "Thirsty First."