The story takes place shortly after prohibition is declared. I've always wondered if the government didn't put prohibition in place purposefully as a way to create commerce. Perhaps they didn't know just how bloody and violent it would get; but like wars, it was profitable. After all, it's human nature to want what you've been told you can't have; and there will always be those that not only find a way to break a law, but make great gains from the disobedience...