Press Release

Alexandria, Va. – When the Washington Nationals face off against the Houston Astros tonight, it will be the first time a Washington team has appeared in the World Series since 1933, the year Prohibition was repealed.

After 13 long, dry years of Prohibition, the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment which banned alcohol in the United States. Earlier in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen–Harrison Act legalizing the sale of low-alcohol beer. That same year, the Washington Senators played the New York Giants in the World Series. That would be the last time a major league team from Washington would play in the World Series until this year’s Washington Nationals.

“The National Beer Wholesalers Association congratulates the Washington Nationals on making the World Series for the first time in the history of their franchise, and cheers to the Houston Astros as well,” said NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser. “Baseball and beer are both American success stories, and fans in D.C. and Houston have enjoyed a lot of success this season.”

In addition to repealing Prohibition, the 21st Amendment gave rise to state regulation of alcohol and the birth of the three-tier system, separating the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcohol. While a lot has changed since 1933, including America’s alcohol laws, the successful framework of alcohol regulation established that year continues to safeguard the public and promote competition, entrepreneurism, and consumer choice and protection.

Eighty-six years after President Roosevelt legalized beer sales with the stroke of a pen, the United States’ alcohol marketplace is more diverse and robust than ever before. Beer distributors now deliver an unprecedented selection of beer to more than 640,000 licensed retailers, and according to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Tax and Trade Bureau, there are now 10,000 breweries in the U.S.

“I’m sure it will be a competitive and exciting series,” added Purser. “I hope fans of a legal drinking age enjoy the games responsibly with a beer.”