21st Amendment ends Prohibition (1933)
The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment's national alcohol ban, returning alcohol regulation to the states. States chose different systems, from state-run stores to private licensing.
California adopted a licensing model, allowing private businesses to sell alcohol under state-issued permits.
That model produced the modern ABC and made a state liquor license a prerequisite for serving alcohol in nearly every venue.
The amendment explains why a Sacramento caterer needs a state license rather than just local approval to pour beer and wine.
