Grizzly Growler

At least that’s what it must have looked like to Americans in 1933 at the beginning of the end for prohibition.

Today is the 75th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition, and although history buffs tend to say it actually occurred on Dec. 5, when Utah and several other states ratified the 21st amendment and repealed Amendment XVIII. April 7 actually was the day 3.2 percent ABV beer was allowed to be sold in America. If my sources are correct, something like 1.5 million gallons of beer were consumed in the 24 hours following the repeal of prohibition.

It’s astounding to think that 18 million Americans live in counties where prohibition continues today. Even though Montana is open to the production and sale of alcohol, we live under prohibition-era laws and newer, more dangerous prohibitions that affect what you and I as consumers can purchase.

Beginning today, I’ll be focusing on some of Montana’s liquor laws in the hopes of spreading the word about the rights of consumers in this state.

Norman Mahn left a comment on a recent post that I thought I’d repost on the subject:

It is simple protectionism on the part of tavern owners. I don’t blame them for trying to protect the value of a license they paid a lot of money for. The reality is that almost any business is naturally going to prefer less competition and do what they can to preserve the value of assets.

Unfortunately, many will resort to the black art of politics to prevent harder working, more creative and talented people from challenging them in the marketplace (not specifically referring to tavern owners here–don’t want to get shot by my bartender who works damned hard). The problem with the situation we have in Montana is that the consumer’s best interests don’t have any influence on the policy discussion when it comes to brewpubs. Most consumers don’t know how the system works so they just gripe about “Why doesn’t anybody open a brewpub around here?” The only way to change that is by consumers (us) spreading the word and bugging the heck out of our local politicians to get these laws changed.

If you don’t like the current system and you haven’t asked your state legislator to change it, you have no one to blame but yourself.

BTW – Monday April 7th is the 75th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition. I can’t think of a better date to launch the campaign.

So hoist a pint or two tonight in honor of 75 years of beer-drinking freedom, and remember that we’re along way from true freedom in this state and around the country.

If anyone knows about parties or celebrations specifically for the repeal of prohibition, send them my way, I’ll post them by the end of the work day so we’ll all know where to hang out tonight.

Prost,

GG

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