The "Gin Craze" was a period in 18th-century England, particularly during the 1720s to 1750s, when the consumption of gin skyrocketed. This surge was fueled by the availability of cheap gin and the rise of unregulated distilleries. Many people, especially the poor, turned to gin as an affordable source of alcohol, leading to widespread public health issues and social problems. As gin consumption increased, so did concerns about its effects on society. The government responded with various laws, such as the Gin Act of 1736, aimed at controlling production and sales. Despite these efforts, the Gin Craze highlighted the challenges of alcohol consumption and its impact on urban life in England.