Question

Why did taxes cause leaders to be reluctant about prohibition

Answer 1

Income taxes were not created yet and the government depended on the liquor tax for funding

Answer 2

There was a constitutional ban on the production of alcohol in the United States between 1920 to 1933. The step was taken against protestant efforts to curb domestic violence, crimes, etc. But it soon made the leaders reluctant because there was an increase in crime as now illegal liquor was in hand of local goons. Secondly, the liquor taxes which was a major source of income for the government.