Join Vancouver Heritage Foundation for an evening of history, vintage cocktails and canapés – with a speakeasy flavour

A century ago, Vancouver was officially a dry city. Prohibition in British Columbia came into effect in 1917 and lasted four years but, as elsewhere, it did not bring the end of alcohol sales. Vancouver had its own Greta Garbo moment with humble back door entries disguising swinging jazz bands, sparkling dance floors and the all-important flow of drinks. Join us for a taste of 1920s glamour with era-appropriate cocktails*, canapés and fascinating stories of Vancouver’s Prohibition era.

Start your evening with some Prohibition Punch and later enjoy a mixology demonstration with Bar Manager Robyn Gray and hear about the legacy in bar tending of the Prohibition era. Sample a feature 1920s themed cocktail and canapés, as Historian and Author of ‘Closing Time: Prohibition, Rum-Runners and Border Wars’, Daniel Francis, illuminates some of Vancouver’s lesser known and seedier history of bootleggers and illegal stills. Discover who made millions in the process and why the province gave up on Prohibition within four years and went into the liquor business for themselves.

The Prohibition bar offers an atmospheric venue to hear about this fascinating era of Vancouver’s history. It opened in 2015 following the restoration of the historic Hotel Georgia. There will be chance to hear about the restoration of this landmark hotel during the evening from Architect Robert Lemon.

Dressing in your 1920’s finest evening attire is highly encouraged.

*Please note non-alcoholic alternatives will be available upon request