Raise a pint tonight!

On April 7, 1933, beer was again legalized. It was not until 8 months later that the entire Volstead Act was repealed allowing for the sale of wine and liquor.

Most Americans have heard of the Volstead Act. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1919, banning the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquor." The Volstead Act authorized federal enforcement of that amendment, putting the teeth in Prohibition.

What most Americans have never heard of is the Cullen-Harrison Act, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. Cullen-Harrison put the first chink into the armor of Prohibition, by basically adopting a new definition of "intoxicating." Under the Volstead Act, beer or wine could not contain more that .5% alcohol by volume. In March 1933, Roosevelt urged the Congress to modify the Volstead Act, and raise the legal limit to 3.2%. They did, Roosevelt signed, and the modifications contained in the Cullen-Harrison Act became law on April 7, 1933.

This was big news, and it was definitely celebrated at the time. It was reported that beer drinkers in Milwaukee even lined up outside breweries the night before! But is it something to celebrate now? There are probably few people today that get excited about a 3.2% beer - although it should be noted that there are still several states that prohibit anything stronger from being sold in grocery or convenience stores. (If you don't live in one of those states, be grateful. It's very annoying.)

And there are people who say it's ridiculous to pay attention to this insignificant piece of legislation. After all, it didn't really do anything about Prohibition. But if I hadn't been able to get a legal beer for, oh, say 14 years or so, I think I'd be dancing in the streets even for 3.2, thank you and pass me another. So, count me among the folks that will be raising a pint on April 7, and toasting my best friends, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Roosevelt.