In season 1 of boardwalk empire we learned about Nucky Thompson and his ability to outwit the law and fellow gangsters who dealt with the passage of prohibition by bootlegging alchohol. There was NO shortage of people willing to pay for the 'price for a drink', even with the obsorberant fees, due to bootlegging.
Champagne, beer, and wine all flowed freely into their respective glasses.
One thing absent was the law; or at least its enforcement. The FBI had complete jurisdiction over the entire country yet was barely able to enforce a fine for bad places. Few arrested felons were sentenced.
Ultimately, what saved the board walk in New Jersey was it's broad appeal to the common folk, whom were willing to plunk down hard earned coin.