During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), speakeasies were illegal establishments that sold alcoholic beverages. They operated clandestinely to avoid detection by law enforcement. While Prohibition is no longer in effect, the term "speakeasy" has come to represent hidden or secret bars that often have a retro or vintage vibe. Some modern speakeasies operate legally, but others might still operate in a legal gray area or without proper permits. So, while not all speakeasies are illegal today, the association with breaking the law persists.