Happy Hour
Quick Summary
Happy hour is a period, typically in the late afternoon or early evening, when bars and restaurants offer discounted alcoholic beverages and appetizers. The term originated in the late 19th century for social clubs and later gained popularity with the U.S. Navy around 1913 as a morale-boosting event with entertainment, not alcohol. During Prohibition, "happy hour" began to refer to socializing with drinks, often in speakeasies. After Prohibition, establishments continued the tradition, offering specials to attract customers. While popular, some states have limited happy hours due to concerns about overconsumption and drunk driving.12
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