Industry Advocates Modernization of Remaining Archaic Blue Laws
Eighty-two years after Prohibition Repeal, states across the country have greatly modernized their alcohol laws, but some remnants of Prohibition continue to linger, according to the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS).
In 1920, the 18thAmendment to the Constitution, popularly known as ‘Prohibition,’ outlawed the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States making America a “dry” country. Thirteen years later on December 5, 1933, the country agreed Prohibition was a complete failure and overwhelmingly ratified the 21stAmendment – thereby repealing Prohibition.
“Prohibition was originally viewed as a ‘noble experiment in social engineering’ – however the effort was a disaster and actually led to increased crime and exacerbated health issues,” said DISCUS Senior Vice President Frank Coleman.
States are increasingly repealing outdated Blue Laws as a means to increase revenue without raising taxes, according to Coleman, who noted that 16 states have repealed Sunday sales bans since 2002 for a total of 38 states.
Similarly, 15 states have permitted distilled spirits tastings since 2009 – bringing the total to 46 states that allow some form of spirits tastings. Allowing consumers to ‘try before they buy,’ has boosted the trend of premiumization leading to greater consumer interest in premium products. Consumer-focused technology innovations such as on-demand delivery services continue to modernize the marketplace.
“Consumer demand for greater choice and convenience continues to result in a more modern marketplace across the country. As America marks the anniversary of Prohibition Repeal on December 5, let’s toast those states that set the stage for today’s American spirits renaissance,” Coleman concluded.