However, the act of drinking before dinnertime began around the same time on-shore due to the Prohibition. Friends would gather for illegal cocktail hours at speakeasies before they went out to eat since restaurants could not serve alcohol. In 1959, an article featuring military life in the Saturday Evening Post made the term more mainstream.
Over time, happy hour has transitioned from a prelude to an evening out into more of an after-work ritual. Since the 1980’s, most bars offer free or discounted appetizers to attendees, attempting to curb drunk driving.
While happy hour has suffered some controversy and has actually been banished in certain countries and states, it still exists around the globe albeit as somewhat of a marketing ploy.
Visit almost any restaurant or bar between 4pm and 7pm on a weekday and you are likely to find drink and food specials to take the edge off a long day at the office!