Raise your glass and drink to National Beer Day !

Beer has been a part of America since it arrived with the first settlers from Europe. However, in 1920 the passage of Prohibition in the United States created a nationwide constitutional ban on the sale, production, importation, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. When Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President in 1932 the country was battling a crippling depression. One of President Roosevelt’s strategies to help end the depression was to repeal prohibition. Roosevelt believed that reopening breweries would not only create jobs, it would put money in circulation, and bolster the treasury’s coffers with new tax money. He was right, and beer helped turn the tide. Its impact on the economy has continued ever since.

The Cullen–Harrison Act, was named for its sponsors, Representative Thomas H. Cullen and Senator Pat Harrison, and enacted by the United States Congress March 21, 1933. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill the following day. Once signed, the bill legalized the sale in the United States of beer and wine with low alcohol content (thought to be too low to be intoxicating) effective beginning April 7, 1933. Upon signing the legislation, President Roosevelt made his famous remark, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”

Today marks the 83rd year since the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect and ended the 13 year darkness known as Prohibition. On this day in 1933, people could start buying, selling, and drinking beer again. People across the country gathered outside of breweries, bars, and clubs to get their first legally sold beer with over 1.5 million barrels of beer consumed that day.

Since that time the number of breweries in the United States has grown to over 4200. According to the Beer Institute, “The combined economic impact of brewers, distributors, retailers, supply chain partners and induced industries totaled more than $252.6 billion in 2014.” And according to the Brewers Association, “Small and independent American craft brewers contributed $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2014.” Without doubt, beer is an indisputable factor in the nations economic health. It provides jobs, pays taxes, and makes further contributions by its added positive impact on related businesses.

Now, April 7th is recognized as National Beer Day .

Cheers to this great day and drink a beer!

Always drink responsibly.