how did the mafia work during prohibition?

Question

did they make and distribute the alcohol how did it all work. and where were the usual locations were they produced the alcohol

Answer 1

Heh heh. They didn't MAKE it. The mafia never does the actual WORK! They found people who COULD make it and made them an offer they couldn't refuse so the mafia would become their bosses!

Distribution was by the usual means. Bosses have captains and captains have underlings who are their muscle, and the underlings are out on the streets and know who's who and who needs what. Usually they even have their own underlings, wanna-bes who do take all the chances in exchange for some free merchandise. This way, if they get killed or arrested, it's no loss.

The locations are any place that can offer significant cover. Basements or back rooms of legitimate businesses, industrial buildings, etc. Today you have people who buy brand new houses with basements just to turn those basements into secret pot farms, for example. No one suspects it so it's the perfect cover.

During Prohibition, ordinary people wanted liquor. They asked around until somebody "knows a guy". That guy checks you out to see if you're legit, or a narc. If you're legit, they work out a price and arrange to get you some. If you turn out to be reliable, they'll get you more. Eventually, you might even get into a speak-easy, where someone gave you a password. You go to an ordinary business, knock on a certain door, say the password, and enter into a secret room where there's a bar, liquor, and party.

Stick around. If they keep raising cigarette taxes to pay for everything, pretty soon you'll see the same thing for places where you can go to smoke. Or eat fatty foods.