I have to admit that I am not as smart as this entry may make me appear. I had no idea the anniversary referenced was approaching us until reading an article in Forbes this morning. Wait, I read Forbes. And Investment News. And the Wall Street Journal. I guess I am smart after all.
Anyway, regardless of how it came to my attention, this coming Friday is the 75th Anniversary of the repeal of the Volstead Act. As history buffs and drunks everywhere know, The Volstead Act was the legislation that officially banned the sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol in the United States. “Prohibition”, as it would come to be known, was one of if not the most misguided attempts at legislating morality this country has ever seen. Not only did it fail to reduce consumption of the Demon Rum, it actually increased the number of bars (illegal but widely accepted) and allowed organized crime a solid foothold into the major cities of America.
After failing in nearly every conceivable way, and accompanied by the growing social acceptance of alcohol, Prohibition was repealed on December 5, 1933. And there was rejoicing.
So in this season of giving thanks, make your way on Friday down to your local speakeasy, pub, tavern, bar, or fundrinkery of your choice and give thanks for the freedom to hoist a pint of your favorite Holiday Cheer.
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I will be in Pittsburgh and there is microbrewery there built in an old church. Given my earlier post on the subject of religion and my affinity for the spirits coupled with this news...I think I have to go there.
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