By National Beer Wholesalers Association

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – On the 90th anniversary of the national ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is highlighting the important economic contributions of the nation’s beer industry.

“Ninety years ago today, the United States ratified the 21st Amendment, ending prohibition, giving states the authority to regulate alcohol and helping give rise to today’s thriving, safe and competitive alcohol industry,” said Craig Purser, President and CEO of NBWA. “Today, we celebrate 90 years of immense economic growth, a rapid rise in consumer choice and a beer distribution industry that is proud to serve our communities.”

In 1933, states ratified the 21st’ Amendment, leading to the repeal of the 18th Amendment and the national ratification on December 5, 1933. This ended Prohibition and paved the way for state-based alcohol policies, which serve as the foundation for the modern beer industry, permitting a wide range of beverages to make their way onto the market.

Before Prohibition, the production, distribution and sales of alcohol beverages could be controlled by the same entity. This “tied house” system created an unsafe public health environment, as producers and retailers engaged in unfair competition that did not promote moderation. The current three-tier system includes producers, distributors and retailers, that work to carefully balance control and access, allowing alcohol beverages to safely make their way to consumers.

“The three-tier system’s effectively regulated chain of custody keeps consumers safe and promotes competition and variety while ensuring revenue is collected in the form of excise and sales taxes,” said Purser. “As a result, the beer distribution industry provides a critical connection between producers and retailers and directly providing more than 137,000 jobs in all 50 states.”

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