Washington, D.C. – Today, America’s beer distributors, brewers and importers celebrated 75 years of effective, state-based alcohol regulation while discussing future-focused economic and regulatory opportunities facing the beer industry at the 18^th Annual NBWA/BREWERS Joint Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

“The year 2008 marks the 75^th Anniversary of the passage of the 21^st Amendment which repealed Prohibition and established the current effective state-based alcohol regulatory system. This unique period affords us the opportunity to reflect not only on how far the industry has come but also on the positive work it is doing today and where it is going in the future,” said NBWA President Craig Purser.

The crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees honored the hard-working men and women of the beer industry who proudly serve in the U.S. military in a rousing “Salute to the Troops” montage which kicked off today’s legislative briefing and political program.

Renowned political pundit Charlie Cook presented attendees with a historical and humorous overview of past and present presidential elections. U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-1), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, also spoke and commended the industry for its entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to supporting 75 years of effective state-based alcohol regulation and involvement in public initiatives that ensure responsible consumption of alcohol by individuals of legal drinking age.

Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute, noted positive statistics on first-quarter 2008 industry growth and praised attendees for being part of a vibrant industry. “The people in attendance here today have successfully reinvigorated our industry after many analysts had written beer’s obituary,” said Becker. “Brewers, importers and wholesalers have a remarkable story to tell, and since the repeal of Prohibition, we’ve worked to become responsible social leaders dedicated to improving the quality of life in our towns and neighborhoods.”

Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian and Bill Earle, president of the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), also addressed the group touching on the necessity to maintain the independent alcohol regulatory system for both craft brewers and importers of beer - further highlighting the tremendous variety of beers in the United States.

Throughout the Legislative Conference, representatives from the beer industry are meeting with lawmakers to discuss a variety of economic and regulatory issues including:

- supporting H. Con. Res. 341 and S. Res. 551, “Celebrating 75 Years of Successful State-Based Alcohol Regulation;”

- highlighting the unrivaled effectiveness of the United States’ three-tier alcohol regulatory system for product quality for the American consumer;

- educating Members of Congress on public initiatives undertaken by the beer industry encouraging the responsible consumption of alcohol; and

- pointing out the disproportionate and unfair burden on consumers from the federal excise tax on beer.