National Beer Day 🍺

Overview

National Beer Day is celebrated annually on April 7th in the United States, commemorating the effective date of the Cullen-Harrison Act in 1933. This act legalized the sale of beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight after 13 years of Prohibition, marking a significant step towards the full repeal of Prohibition and allowing Americans to legally purchase and enjoy beer once again.

Origin and story

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law on March 22, 1933, famously saying, "I think this would be a good time for a beer," in anticipation of its April 7th effective date.

On April 7, 1933, breweries that had been preparing for the act's effective date reportedly sold 1.5 million barrels of 3.2% beer, signifying immense public demand.

Quick facts

• DateApril 7
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

April 7 marks the exact day legal beer returned to America in 1933, months before Prohibition itself was fully repealed — and FDR reportedly greeted the news with, "I think this would be a good time for a beer."

Have a legal one

Celebrate by:

• Having a beer today, ideally something you wouldn't normally reach for.
• Visiting a local brewery instead of buying from a store.

See the real constitutional history

Helpful resources:

• The Constitutional Origins of National Beer Day (National Constitution Center)

Did you know?

The Cullen-Harrison Act only legalized beer at 3.2% alcohol by weight, and only in 20 states plus D.C. — the rest of Prohibition wasn't fully repealed nationwide until Utah ratified the 21st Amendment later that same year.

Fun facts

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law on March 22, 1933, famously saying, "I think this would be a good time for a beer," in anticipation of its April 7th effective date.
• On April 7, 1933, breweries that had been preparing for the act's effective date reportedly sold 1.5 million barrels of 3.2% beer, signifying immense public demand.
• The modern celebration of National Beer Day originated from a social media movement started in 2007 by Justin Smith and Mike Connolly of Richmond, Virginia.

Sources and attribution

The Constitutional Origins of National Beer Day (National Constitution Center)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Beer Day?

It is observed on April 7 each year.

What is National Beer Day?

National Beer Day is celebrated annually on April 7th in the United States, commemorating the effective date of the Cullen-Harrison Act in 1933. This act legalized the sale of beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight after 13 years of Prohibition, marking a significant step towards the full repeal of Prohibition and allowing Americans to legally purchase and enjoy beer once again.

How do people celebrate National Beer Day?

Visit a local brewery and try a beer you wouldn't normally reach for.

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