PRNewswire-USNewswire
WASHINGTON — America’s beer distributors and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) encourage you to recognize the 75th anniversary of the 21st Amendment that repealed Prohibition in the United States on December 5, 1933.
In addition to ending the federal ban on alcohol which began with the 18th Amendment in 1920, the 21st Amendment established today’s effective, state-based system of alcohol regulation that works to safely provide American consumers with unparalleled choice and variety.
“This anniversary is a great time to recognize the success of the past 75 years of effective, state-based alcohol regulation since the ratification of the 21st Amendment,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “Today, American consumers of legal drinking age have access to nearly 13,000 labels of beer from the smallest craft brews to the largest multinational labels – all delivered through a transparent and accountable alcohol distribution system. If you’re of legal drinking age, join America’s beer distributors in raising a glass on December 5 to the 75th anniversary of the 21st Amendment and today’s successful system of state-based alcohol regulation.”
Today, America’s 2,750 licensed beer distributors are the critical link in the three-tier system of beer distribution, sourcing fresh beer only from licensed brewers and importers and supplying it only to licensed retailers including restaurants and convenience stores.
Unlike other countries around the world, the American beer distribution system creates a clear chain of custody and provides transparency, accountability and traceability. Beer distributors are able to track the product from the time it leaves the brewer or importer until the time it reaches a licensed retailer.
This regulated market works to protect American consumers from poisonous or counterfeit alcohol which is a problem in many countries, industry officials say.
