Prohibition is one of the single biggest factors in the creation of organized crime at real scale. It took more than the local street gang to pull off everything that needed to be done. The American Mafia as we know it was a direct result of Prohibition.

Alcohol consumption itself didn't change much. Speakeasies and bathtub brewers were open secrets. Cops didn't raid them (much) because where else were they gonna get their 'shine?

In fact, my greats grandparents were bookies and bootleggers. My father told me his grandparents were pulled over with a trunk full of liquor during prohibition. Grandma said she would take care of it. Coo asked to see inside the trunk. Grandma said "Of course," popped it open, pulled out two big bottles of liquor, tucked one under each of the cop's shoulders and asked, "Is there a problem, sir?" He tipped his hat and bid them a safe trip as he climbed back into his car.

Time-based is an interesting proposition, though. As in, for two weeks or what have you, it is simply unavailable. You either have your home stock or you don't. I can see benefits to that.

Eh? I don't think it is well taught how bad alcoholism was in the English speaking world at the turn of the century. It was relatively common for men to drink away their wages, leaving their families poor. Alcohol also increased the likelihood of domestic violence, something which was somewhat socially acceptable.

Now, the outright ban obviously had nasty side effects including the creation of organized crime. However, I could see the argument that increased regulation and restriction in availability was justified.

After all, they had to ban buying gin by the pint.