Downtown march commemorates 'New Beer's Eve,' anniversary of FDR order ending Prohibition

POULSBO — In celebration of "New Beer's Eve" a group of enthusiasts marched down Front Street to Poulsbo City Hall Friday night, all the while chanting "We want beer."

The march was to recognize the beginning of the dismantling of Prohibition in the United States April 7, 1933.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the legal sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages with 3.2 percent of alcohol or less. Sales became legal on April 7, 1933.

During the first "New Beer's Eve," people waited outside taverns until midnight, when they would once again be able to consume alcohol legally. It was the first time in more than 13 years.

It wasn't until Dec. 5, 1933 that the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment. Prohibition had completely ended.

The march in Poulsbo followed celebration in downtown bars, including Tizley's Europub and Hare & Hounds Public House, which hosted beer specials in recognition of the night and a documentary on beer at Tizley's.

 

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