BCS SESSION: Prohibition's Wholesome Rumrunners: The Olmsteads

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
1:30 PM 2:30 PM

Bartender's Circle Summit 600 Pine Street - Floor 3 Seattle, WA, 98101 United States (map)

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Seattle's Prohibition story isn't about gangsters -- it's about a baby-faced lieutenant, his British bombshell wife, and the most charming bootlegging operation you've never heard of.

While Prohibition on the East Coast produced figures like Al Capone who prioritized money over human life, Seattle's relationship with illegal alcohol was something else entirely -- stranger, funnier, and a whole lot more human. In this session, you'll hear the remarkable true story of Roy and Elsie Olmstead, whose bootlegging operation became the stuff of local legend, and walk away with a collection of bar stories your guests will absolutely love.

Why You Should Attend

Discover how Seattle's Prohibition era set the city apart from the rest of the country's bootlegging history
Hear the incredible true story of Roy and Elsie Olmstead -- the Baby-faced Lieutenant and the British Bombshell
Walk away with a handful of great bar stories that will keep your guests talking long after last call

Track: Leadership + Culture

**PRESENTED BY**

**Rebecca Demarest**
Author | Poet | Playwright | Book Designer | Writing Instructor

Rebecca A. Demarest (she/her) is an award-winning author, poet, playwright, book designer, and writing instructor living in Seattle, WA with her husband and three muppets. Over the pandemic she accidentally became a local expert on certain figures from Seattle's history during Prohibition, as one does. For more information on her writing, please visit rebeccademarest.com or follow on BlueSky: @writerlybliss.

Bartender’s Circle Summit: Industry Session

This session is part of the Bartender’s Circle Summit and is strictly intended for members of the global hospitality industry. To attend this masterclass, you must have a BCS Class Pass. Our summit programming at Pacific Place is a dedicated space for professionals to sharpen their craft, delve into spirit categories like Cognac and Pisco, and learn from the industry’s most respected leaders.