10 Things You Might Not Know About the Chicago City Council

The council’s activism on lifestyle issues has inspired The Washington Post to label Chicago “That Meddlin’ Town.” But lest you think such social engineering is a modern trend, consider the Lager Beer Riot of 1855. The council, led by Mayor Levi Boone, cracked down on beer halls frequented by German and Irish immigrants, while overlooking the whiskey consumed by more established Americans. The newcomers rioted, then voted en masse in the next election, making Chicago safe again for beer drinkers.

(via)