Prohibition repeal (1933)
The 21st Amendment ended nationwide alcohol prohibition, which had been in force since 1920. Control over alcohol sales shifted from the federal government to individual states.
States created licensing systems to govern alcohol sales, including New York's Liquor Authority, which began issuing licences to restaurants, bars, and retailers.
State-level licensing remains the framework for alcohol regulation today, with agencies like the New York SLA controlling who can sell alcohol and under what conditions.
Explains why Semm SWPK needs a state-issued licence to serve wine and beer, and why the SLA holds final authority over local applications.
