Repeal of Prohibition (1933)
The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th, ending the national ban on alcohol. States took over regulating who could sell and serve it, creating the licensing systems still in place.
States established licensing boards, and alcohol sales became legal only where a government licence permitted them.
Every bar, restaurant and vessel serving drinks today needs state approval, from city taverns to river cruise ships.
It explains why the Capitol Commodore needs a state-issued alcohol licence before its onboard bar can legally serve.
