The Gin Act

In England, the Gin Act of 1736 requires all those who manufacture and sell gin to purchase a (very expensive) license. Rewards are also offered for information leading to the capture of anyone who doesn't obey the law. These measures have little overall effect — certainly gin consumption doesn't decrease. Before the law is revised in 1743, 10,000 people are prosecuted, but only three licenses are actually sold. The gin craze doesnąt begin to abate until increased taxes result in much higher prices for the beverage.

Tie One On — The Invention of Gin "Gin Alley" William Hogarth, 1751