Florida Became 31st State to Ratify the 21st Amendment on November 14, 1933

November 14, 2008, marked 75 years since Florida became the 31st state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 21st Amendment repealed national Prohibition – which began with the 18th Amendment in 1920. In addition to officially ending Prohibition, the 21st Amendment also established the effective, state-based system of alcohol regulation that today works to efficiently provide American consumers with an unparalleled choice and variety of beer.

“Thanks to Florida and other states that ratified the 21st Amendment, the United States has the most responsible and transparent alcohol regulatory system in the world today,” said Craig Purser, president of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA). “The American system of alcohol distribution, which tracks products from the time they leave the manufacturer or importer until the time they reach store shelves or bar taps, is the gold standard for transporting products to consumers.”

The same system that provides transparency and accountability also provides consumers with unparalleled choice and variety. America’s beer distributors deliver nearly 13,000 labels of beer – from the smallest craft brews to the largest multinational brands – to grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores and other licensed retailers.

Florida’s beer distribution industry is a dynamic part of the state’s economy, employing 5,000 hard-working men and women and paying them over $300 million in wages. Beer distributors don’t just offer solid wages; they also offer generous company-provided benefits including health care. The beer distribution sector generates approximately $813 million in total economic impact for the state of Florida.

The 21st Amendment was passed by the U.S. Senate on February 16, 1933, and by the House of Representatives on February 20, 1933. It became law after being ratified by three-quarters of the states on December 5, 1933. This made the 18th Amendment the only constitutional amendment to be repealed. Alcohol is the only product with two separate constitutional amendments addressing its regulation.

Founded in 1938, the National Beer Wholesalers Association advocates before government and the public on behalf of more than 2,750 licensed independent beer distributors with operations servicing every congressional district and state across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring that the products they provide are consumed legally, moderately and responsibly. For more information about beer distributors, please visit www.nbwa.org.

SOURCE National Beer Wholesalers Association
http://www.nbwa.org

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