The "high license" reforms in the southern states (and elsewhere) were
efforts scale back the number of saloons.  Only the more profitable and
reputable saloons could survive.  If I recall, Duis contrasts the number
of saloons in Boston after a similar effort with Chicago's unregulated
market.

James Ivy

On Sat, 26 Sep 1998, David M. Fahey wrote:

> In late 19th and early 20th cent. England reduction in the number of
> premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic drink for on-premises
> consumption became popular as a method of temperance reform.  Was there any
> similar enthusiasm for reduction in numbers in the USA or other
> English-speaking countries?
>