There’s good reason to raise your glass and celebrate

Happy New Beer's Day 2017

April 10, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

FDR signing Beer Bill (Cullen‐Harrison Act) in 1933. AP Photo

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The Act took effect at 12:01 a.m. April 7, 1933 when President Franklin Roosevelt took the first step toward ending Prohibition.

On that date he signed a law that allowed people to brew and sell beer in the United States as long as it remained below 4 percent alcohol by volume.

Beer fans lined up at their favorite bars near midnight on April 6, known as “New Beer’s Eve.” It had been thirteen long, dry

years since they were able to enjoy a cold brew. And April 7 is referred to as “New Beer’s Day.”

National Beer Day was begun by a gentleman named Justin Smith, a Richmond, Virginia Craft Beer Examiner, and his friend

Mike Connolly from Liverpool, England. April 7 was chosen because that’s when the Cullen‐Harrison Act was signed into law.

Now, the Cullen‐Harrison Act did not mark the official end of Prohibition that occurred months later on December 5, 1933 – but it was a damn good start. December 5 is “Repeal Day,” another reason to celebrate with your favorite pint of suds.

Upon signing the legislation, Roosevelt famously said, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”

So what better way to celebrate the legacy of Pres. Roosevelt than by hoisting up a cold one in his honor, for helping bring beer back for us to enjoy. Happy Beer’s Day to all!