a c i d.f l y
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Started before that. When they began imposing tariffs on alcohol imports after the Revolutionary war. Illegal importing became a thing because us rebel ass Americans, thus the IRS was formed and subsequently the ATF to combat illegal importing and collect taxes.
Apparently, the ATF got involved when margarine was invented, using their facilities to test its authenticity.
Prohibition. Then its appeal by the 21st amendment and dry/wet counties are created. You know, because splitting the country has always worked out well. Combat alcohol sales in dry areas, and collect taxes in wet.
1934, National Firearms act, used to combat mob activity - tax on certain weapons.
1938, Federal Firearms Act, Regulated interstate shipment of firearms and ammunition, and prohibited their receipt by felons; required dealer and manufacturer licensing; and imposed firearms marking and record-keeping requirements.
1968, Gun Control Act, combing the Alcohol Tax Unit with the National Firearms Unit
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968
Title XI of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970
1974 Gambling Taxation
1978 Cigarette Tax enforcement - ATF's Criminal and Regulatory Enforcement Divisions tackle additional responsibilities in 1978 when Congress passes a new law: interstate cigarette smuggling. Agents make the first case on February 25, 1979 in Rhode Island, beginning a campaign against cigarette bootlegging which defrauds the government of billions of dollars each year.
Yeah, all about paying big brother under the guise of citizen protection.
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