A speakeasy was an illicit bar or nightclub that operated during the Prohibition era in the United States, from 1920 to 1933. During this time, the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned. Speakeasies provided a secretive venue for people to gather, socialize, and enjoy drinks, often requiring a password for entry. These establishments were often hidden behind unmarked doors or in basements, and they featured live music, dancing, and entertainment. The term "speakeasy" originated from patrons speaking quietly or "easily" to avoid drawing attention from law enforcement, known as the {Prohibition Bureau}.