[1] Pushed forward by social reformers such as Joseph Jekyll, the act attempted to curb gin consumption by instituting a 20 shilling per gallon excise tax as well as a £50 annual license (equivalent to £10,000 today) for all gin sellers.

King George II issued a proclamation requiring compliance with the law and an end to public disorder against it.

Moonshine also became widespread as people produced their own gins, sometimes using dangerous ingredients such as turpentine and sulfuric acid.

[1][2] By 1743, gin production had actually increased to an all-time high of 8,000,000 imperial gallons (36,000,000 L; 9,600,000 US gal) and enforcement of the law was considered impossible.

The financial strain of the War of the Austrian Succession also played a role as the government sought a solution which would generate more income.