In 1891 an effort was made to introduce the English system of barmaids into the saloons of New York City. This no sooner became known to the members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union than an effort was made to secure a law prohibiting the movement. This was effected by the passage of the following act, April 25, 1892:
AN ACT forbidding the hiring of Barmaids.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION I. No female shall be hired as barmaid, or to compound or dispense intoxicating beverages in any place where the same are sold or offered for sale.
SEC. 2. A person who hires, or causes to be hired, any female as barmaid, or to compound or dispense intoxicating beverages in any place where the same are sold or offered for sale, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
SEC. 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Thus, at its very inception, legislative enactment prevented the introduction into this state of a most demoralizing phase of the saloon business.
In the same year and month a law forbidding the opening of the New York State exhibit at the Columbian Exhibition was passed, thus placing New York State on record as favoring the sanctity of the Sabbath.
AN ACT in relation to the Exhibit of the State of New York at the World's Columbian Exhibition....
The exhibit of the State of New York at such exhibition shall not be open to the public on Sunday, and the general managers herein provided for shall take such steps as may be necessary to carry this provision into effect.