Repeal of Prohibition (1933)
The 21st Amendment ended the national alcohol ban that began in 1920 and handed states the power to set their own alcohol rules. Most states built licensing systems to control who could sell.
States created agencies to issue permits and collect taxes on alcohol sales.
The state-based permit system persists, so every bar and restaurant must get a license from its state to serve drinks.
Explains why Original Big Belly's needs a Texas ABC permit at all: the licensing regime born after Prohibition gives states the final say over who serves alcohol.
