Although the ban was initially successful, it was soon proved to be nearly unenforceable. Communities across the country found ways to obtain liquor through bootlegging—the illegal production and distribution of alcohol. Individuals came up with ways to make liquor at home, smuggled it in through Canada, or went to a speakeasy (an illegal, secret drinking establishment). They faked illnesses to get prescriptions from doctors that would allow them to buy whiskey and bought sacramental wine for 'religious' purposes. The Prohibition era also saw a sharp rise in organized crime, as groups maintained widespread distribution and sale of illegal alcohol, while bribing Prohibition enforcement officers to keep quiet.

By the time that the 18th Amendment was repealed, it was clear that if somebody wanted a drink, they were already able to gain access to it. Overall, Prohibition was considered to be one of the most poorly enforced laws in American history.