Because of its high alcoholic strength, and the constant campaigns of the prohibitionist movement, the production and sale of absinthe became increasingly heavily taxed and tightly regulated from the early 1900's. Specific laws concerning absinthe were posted in bars and bistrots.
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Notices advertising a ban on the retail sale of absinthe, with penalties for its continued
sale, were posted throughout France in August 1914. In March 1915 absinthe was
declared a toxic product, and its manufacture and sale were completely prohibited.
Letter of 16th November 1914 from Paul Doumer, senator in
the Military Government in Paris, enclosing copies of the
proclamations banning absinthe and similar liquors.
Click to enlarge.
Prohibition notice for the Doubs region issued by Raymond
Poincaré on 16th March 1915.
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An original sketched cartoon by Milo.
Apparently unpublished.
L'ABSINTHE
C'est fait on va nous la supprimer.
Alors à quoi ça a servi d'avoir pris la Bastille
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L'Assiette au Beurre:
A cartoon by Jossot dealing with the
news of impending prohibition.
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Attendu qu'elle fait de l'homme une bête féroce, de la femme une
martyre, de l'enfant un dégénéré, qu'elle désorganise et ruine la famille et
menace ainsi l'avenir du pays,
Attendu que des mesures de défense spéciales s'imposent
impérieusement à la France, qui boit à elle seule plus d'absinthe que le
reste du monde,
Invitent le Parlement à vote' la proposition de loi suivante:
"La fabrication, la circulation et la vente de l'absinthe sont interdites sur
toute l'étendue da territoire français, sous peine d'une amende de 5 à
10.000 francs et d'un emprisonnement de un à trois mois, ou de l'une de
ces deux peines seulement."
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