pushed forward by social reformers such as joseph jekyll, the gin act of 1736 attempted to curb gin consumption by instituting a 20 shilling per gallon excise tax as well as a £50 annual license (equivalent to £ today) for all gin sellers. passed in 1735, it was set to take effect in september 1736. the law proved immensely unpopular and provoked public rioting. king george ii issued a proclamation requiring compliance with the law and an end to public disorder against it. after just a year, though, enforcement began to wane and the public began to defy the law more openly. it is said that only two of the annual licenses were ever purchased. moonshine also became widespread as people produced their own gins, sometimes using dangerous ingredients such as turpentine and sulfuric acid.