Press Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today America’s independent beer distributors commemorate Constitution Day, which celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) issued the following statement on behalf of President & CEO Craig Purser:

“Today, we remember the signing of our nation’s Constitution and reflect on the pivotal role it played to create our state-based alcohol accountability network. After more than 230 years and two constitutional amendments, our country’s alcohol laws are the most effective in the world, protecting consumers while still providing them with unparalleled choice in the marketplace.

Much like the Constitution, America’s alcohol regulations are evolving over time. Following 13 long, dry years of Prohibition, the 21st Amendment did away with a federal one-size-fits-all approach, granting states oversight of alcohol within their borders while recognizing the need to separate the manufacturing, distribution and retail of these products. Now, 86 years later, alcohol laws are consistent with the desires and needs of citizens, and consumers have historic variety from an ever-increasing number of breweries due to the state-regulated independent distribution system. A recent Center for Alcohol Policy public opinion survey shows that 83 percent of Americans support this state-based system.

Most importantly, the alcohol accountability network prioritizes consumer safety. Unlike many countries that have experienced tragic deaths from fake alcohol, the U.S. does not face the public health and safety problem of tainted, unregulated alcohol because our network is designed to keep potentially deadly products off the market.

America’s more than 3,000 licensed beer distributors and the 141,000 men and women they employ are proud to be a part of this exceptional and effective industry.”