STATES OF INTOXICATION
Profile America — Monday, January 2nd. When Prohibition ended in 1933, the sale of alcoholic beverages resumed in the U.S. but was subject to a patchwork of differing regulations. Local options mean that some counties remain dry. Some states regulate the alcoholic content of beer sold at supermarkets and gas stations. In a few states, beer, wine and liquor may be sold practically anywhere. And in 17 states, liquor wholesale supplies are controlled, and the majority of sales is through government or contracted outlets. These are usually called ABC stores, for alcoholic beverage control. The first ABC liquor stores opened in Pennsylvania on this date in 1934. There are over 33,000 beer, wine and liquor stores in the U.S. today, ABC stores included. The $43 billion a year business employs around 158,000 people.
Profile America is in its 20th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.
Follow Us