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A saloon is primarily a place of business where alcoholic beverages are sold for on-premises consumption. Historically, particularly in the American West, cowboys would frequent saloons after work.12

The term "saloon" also evolved to refer to any place of popular entertainment, especially in the context of music halls and variety shows in England. These entertainment venues, which often served alcohol, featured a succession of acts like singers, comedians, and dancers. The tradition originated from taproom concerts in taverns and eventually moved into larger, more elaborate halls.3

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. saloons
  2. music hall and variety
  3. saloon

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