Brewers mark 80 years of the 21st Amendment, toast to Repeal Day

This Dec. 5, Repeal Day, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of Prohibition with ratification of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. Today, beer is the most-popular alcohol beverage choice for American adults and is welcome at nearly every occasion. In turn, the brewing and beer industry is a major contributor to the economy and job growth. Beer Institute President Joe McClain made the following statement on this significant milestone:

“In the 80 years since Prohibition’s repeal, beer has grown to become the country’s most-popular alcohol beverage. Americans enjoy beer at occasions from the office party to the backyard barbecue, and everything in-between. And for good reason. With its low alcohol content and customary portions, you can drink beer sensibly. If you want to know what you’re drinking, you’ll choose beer.

“And by choosing beer, you support an industry that is serving America. Today’s $246 billion beer industry supports more than 2 million American jobs, from farmers to factory hands, from bartenders to brewers. Every one job in the brewery supports another 45 outside, among suppliers, distributors and retailers.

“But many don’t know that beer drinkers shoulder a stiff tax burden. Taxes are already the most expensive ingredient in beer, on average making up more than 40 percent of the retail cost of a beer.

“The BEER Act, introduced earlier this year in the U.S. House and Senate, is the only comprehensive, equitable and fair legislation that seeks to reforms beer taxes for all beer drinkers. The BEER Act rolls back the federal excise tax on beer – a tax most beer drinkers don’t even know they pay — back to historic rates, encouraging investment, innovation and growth in our industry.

“This Repeal Day, America’s brewers and beer importers raise their glasses in toast to the contributions of the 2 million men and women who work in our industry — and salute those members of Congress who pledge to protect those American jobs.”

The Beer Institute is encouraging everyone to post pictures and toasts on Facebook and Twitter using #CheersToBeer all week to commemorate the anniversary.