- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- DrinkingEducationalLiquor
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 🚫
Prohibition Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 16, reflects on the era when alcohol was banned across the United States. This day encourages us to examine the social, economic, and cultural impacts of the 18th Amendment and the subsequent Volstead Act. Explore the complex history, understand the motivations behind it, and consider its enduring legacy on American society and law.
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Expected Prohibition Remembrance Day Deals
While direct ‘deals’ are not the focus, Prohibition Remembrance Day often inspires unique historical and educational activations. Look for local museums and historical societies to host special exhibits or virtual tours detailing the era. Speakeasy-themed bars and restaurants might offer special Prohibition-era cocktails (legally, of course!) or themed menus. Bookstores and libraries could highlight historical texts on the period. Organizations like the National Constitution Center or the National Archives may provide online resources. We will update this page with confirmed live events and educational opportunities as January 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Prohibition Remembrance Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ProhibitionRemembranceDay. Share historical photos, themed outfits, or your favorite (legal) mocktail recipes from the era.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #ProhibitionRemembranceDay. Spark a discussion about the lasting effects of the 18th Amendment and its lessons for today.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ProhibitionRemembranceDay. Share articles, documentaries, or personal family stories related to the Prohibition era.
Prohibition Remembrance Day Hero
Andrew Volstead
History of Prohibition Remembrance Day
Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933.
In 1906, waves of attacks began on the sale of liquor, led by the Anti-Saloon League driven by a reaction to urban growth, as well as the rise of evangelical Protestantism and its view of saloon culture as corrupt and ungodly. In addition, many factory owners supported prohibition in their desire to prevent accidents and increase the efficiency of their workers in an era of increased industrial production and extended working hours.
Prohibition came about after many years of work by those in the temperance movement, who wanted complete abstinence from alcohol. As a whole, the movement had close ties to the church. By the time the amendment went into effect, many states already had prohibition laws on the books, which helped with the final passage of the amendment.
The amendment was quite controversial during its 13-year tenure, and public pressure eventually led to its repeal. There were debates about its positive and negative qualities during its implementation, as there have been since its overturning. Overall, alcohol consumption declined during the Prohibition period, cirrhosis rates decreased, and admissions to mental hospitals for alcohol-related issues decreased.
Prohibition Remembrance Day timeline
The General Court of Massachusetts bans the sale of liquor to Indians.
Prohibitionists, led by pietistic Protestants, try to end the trade in alcoholic drinks.
Congress enforces the Wartime Prohibition Act, banning alcohol above 1.28%.
The 18th Amendment is overruled by the 21st Amendment, lifting the alcohol ban.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Prohibition Remembrance Day
Local businesses can honor Prohibition Remembrance Day by hosting educational events or themed promotions. Restaurants and bars might offer special ‘mocktail’ menus or host historical talks about the era’s impact on the hospitality industry. Bookstores could curate displays of historical non-fiction and fiction set during the 1920s. Even local distilleries or breweries could share stories of their predecessors who either adapted or struggled during the dry years, offering a unique historical perspective.
Prohibition Remembrance Day FAQs
When is Prohibition Remembrance Day?
In 2027, Prohibition Remembrance Day is observed on Saturday, January 16, offering a weekend opportunity to delve into the complexities and lasting effects of the Prohibition era.
What was the 18th Amendment?
Often referred to as ‘Prohibition,’ the 18th Amendment outlawed intoxicating liquors nationwide. It represented a major social experiment driven by temperance movements, fundamentally altering American culture for over a decade.
How long did Prohibition last?
The ‘Noble Experiment’ of Prohibition spanned more than a decade, a period marked by significant social upheaval, the rise of organized crime, and a booming underground economy for illicit alcohol.
What was the Volstead Act?
Authored by Representative Andrew Volstead, this act clarified the legal framework for Prohibition, setting the stage for federal agents to crack down on illegal alcohol production and distribution across the country.
How to Observe Prohibition Remembrance Day
Host a party with drinks
Have a house party with the most popular drinks of the Prohibition era on-site. Relish the freedom that comes with taking whatever drinks you like. However, make sure you’re not driving afterward.
Read the 18th and 21st Amendments
With your preferred drink in hand, read up copies of the 18th and 21st Amendments. These are historical legal documents that will interest you and be worthwhile reading.
Visit a museum
A trip to the Museum of the American Cocktail would be perfect for this day. Call up a friend or family, and have a great time viewing history in plain sight.
5 Facts About Prohibition That Will Surprise You
Drug stores sold alcohol
The Volstead Act included a few exceptions to the ban on alcohol distribution and sales, allowing drug stores to sell alcohol as ‘medicine.’
It wasn’t illegal to drink alcohol
The 18th Amendment forbade the “manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors” — inferring that it was not a crime to consume alcohol.
Thousands died from drinking tainted liquor
Out of desperation during this period, illicit alcohol — some having toxic chemicals in them — was produced and consumed, leading to several ailments and the eventual death of many consumers.
Drinking decreased
According to a study conducted by MIT and Boston University economists, alcohol consumption fell by as much as 70% during the early years of Prohibition.
It continues in some states to date
Even after the repeal of Prohibition, some states such as Arkansas, Kentucky, and Georgia still allow counties within their borders to maintain the ban on alcohol.
Why Prohibition Remembrance Day is Important
Helps us cherish our freedom of choice
We now live in an age where there are little to no bans on our preferred drinks and food. This day helps us appreciate and not take that freedom to choose that we enjoy for granted.
It provides a great social platform
Through the parties and activities held on this day, different people get to meet and interact. New relationships are built and social spheres expand.
Reminds us of the importance of moderation
Alcohol was initially banned because people abused it and took it in excess, resulting in negative occurrences. We are reminded to drink responsibly and in moderation — the best way anything can be enjoyed.
Prohibition Remembrance Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 16 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 16 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 16 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | January 16 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | January 16 | Thursday |
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