Prohibition in Vaughan

Prohibition in Ontario lasted from 1916 to 1927, with the Ontario Temperance Act coming into effect during the first World War. The temperance movement began by encouraging motivation, then encouraged those who consumed alcohol to help each other resist temptation, before calling for an outright ban. However total prohibition proved unenforceable with organized groups being created to smuggle alcohol and illegal drinking establishments springing up. The influence of the temperance movement lives on today in provincial liquor control boards and rules governing where alcohol can be served.

Exhibit and photographs courtesy of the Enterprise Information Services Unit, Office of the City Clerk, City of Vaughan.