Today’s National Beer Day, commemorating the end of prohibition

by | Apr 7, 2015 | EAT DRINK

Today is National Beer day in which we remember the end of one of America’s darkest times, Prohibition.


Today is National Beer day in which we remember the end of one of America’s darkest times, Prohibition.

Yes, for 13 years everyone’s favorite escape from reality was deemed unsafe and dangerous and made illegal to sell or produce thanks to the 18th Amendment.

But in 1933, under the wise guidance of one of America’s greatest presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt, alcohol was returned to the masses via the Cullen–Harrison Act (or the 21st Amendment, I’m a little confused – moral of the story, April 7th, 1933 we could buy booze again) and we’re all much better for it today.

At least we kind of are… the Daily Show has a pretty great collection of clips which suggest things might be a little worse for wear.

So head on out and have a drink tonight and consider the decisions you make as you imbibe on this gloomy Tuesday and remember those who came before us and fought so hard for the right to party.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner is the former editor of GayRVA and RVAMag from 2013 - 2017. He’s now the Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, a state-wide NPR outlet based in Roanoke. You can reach him at BradKutnerNPR@gmail.com




more in eat drink

Broke Student’s Survival Guide: Cheap Eats in Richmond 2025

If you’re a broke student back in Richmond and already sick of the dining hall’s gray meatloaf, relax, this city won’t let you starve. The food here has always been a patchwork of dives, diners, and half-chaotic kitchens that somehow keep the student body alive. You...

Canned Heat! A Richmond Guide to Summer Wines in a Can

We had never tried canned wine before this week. Up until recently, we hadn’t really given them much thought. We would see new canned wines emblazoned with eye-grabbing artwork on shelves in stores and wine bars around town, but never felt compelled to try them....

Lowest U.S. Drinking Rate in 90 Years, Richmond Still Going Out

Pour one out, or maybe just crack open a seltzer, for America’s drinking habit. According to Gallup’s 2025 Consumption Habits survey, only 54% of U.S. adults now say they drink alcohol. That’s the lowest level Gallup has recorded in nearly 90 years of polling, down...

What the F@ck is Orange Wine?! (and Where to Find It in Richmond)

And no, it’s not made from oranges.. The first time I encountered orange wine (or skin contact white wine), I was wowed by the color and it’s presentation. It’s gorgeous. This beautiful, amber-hued liquid danced around the edges of my swirling wine glass. I gave it a...

Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer Heats Up to Wine Down

Great wine pairing options for specials around tomatoes and mayo Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer has returned to Richmond for the fifth year in a row to highlight the iconic summer duo, tomato and mayonnaise. Several restaurants in Richmond are offering a variety of Hot...

Opinion | The Grocery Bill That Stares Back at You

In Richmond, you walk into Kroger or Food Lion for the usual and walk out $80 lighter with barely a bag and a half. No steaks. No extras. Just the basics you’ve been buying since you first learned how to cook on a crooked burner in a Fan apartment. And now you’re...