WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and toast the end of Prohibition.

Seventy-three years ago on April 7, 1933, Americans celebrated when the federal government lifted the ban on beer sales, helping to end the high crime and unemployment associated with Prohibition. After 13 years of suppression, the American beer industry began to rebuild. Because of beer’s lower alcohol concentration, it was seen as a moderate alternative to liquor and its ban was lifted a full eight months before Prohibition was repealed on other products.

Since that memorable day in our nation’s history, American adults have had the right to enjoy beer – and thanks to the responsible consumption efforts of state regulators, law enforcement, parents and groups like the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), they do so ever more responsibly.

“The irony is that the end of Prohibition did more for responsible alcohol consumption than Prohibition ever did,” said NBWA president Craig Purser. “Today, people of legal drinking age are free to enjoy beer, and most do so in moderation. Strict regulations put in place by the states serve to control the sale of malt beverages and prevent underage drinking.”

While Prohibition failed to solve the problem of irresponsible drinking, its repeal ushered in a new era of responsible alcohol consumption. The 21st Amendment gave states the right to regulate and control the sale and distribution of alcohol in accordance with what is most appropriate for its citizens. After all, people in New York feel very differently about alcohol than those in Kentucky.

The end of Prohibition marked the beginning of the American beer distribution system that provides a safe and orderly marketplace. The system, which authorizes states and localities to control alcohol beverages within their jurisdiction, ensures that excise taxes are efficiently collected, consumers have a wide choice of products at a great value and products are enjoyed responsibly.

So this April 7, raise a glass to the end of Prohibition and the beginning of moderate, responsible enjoyment of beer. After all, beer is the beverage of moderation consumed and produced by hard-working, taxpaying Americans.