Prohibition repeal and state alcohol control (1933)
The 21st Amendment ended federal Prohibition in December 1933, handing states control over alcohol sales. California built a licensing system to decide who could sell beer, wine, and spirits.
States took over alcohol regulation, issuing retail licenses and enforcing rules.
California's licensing model still governs every liquor store in the state today.
Explains why a Los Angeles corner store needs a state-issued type 21 license before it can sell spirits.
