National Beer Day
National Beer Day is an annual celebration in the United States, observed on April 7. It commemorates the day in 1933 when the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, legalizing the sale of beer with a low alcohol content and marking the beginning of the end of Prohibition.
Quick Facts
- When is it? April 7
- Tagged as: A celebration of beer and brewing history
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalBeerDay
- When was it founded? 2009
- Who founded it? Justin Smith, a craft beer enthusiast
History of National Beer Day
The origins of National Beer Day trace back to the Prohibition era in the United States. The Eighteenth Amendment, enacted in 1919, banned the production and sale of alcoholic beverages. However, on March 22, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act, allowing beer with up to 3.2% alcohol by weight to be sold legally. This act took effect on April 7, 1933, and Americans celebrated by consuming an estimated 1.5 million barrels of beer that day.
In 2009, Justin Smith popularized National Beer Day through social media, and it gained official recognition in Virginia in 2017.
Timeline
- 1919: The Eighteenth Amendment initiates Prohibition.
- 1933 (March 22): The Cullen-Harrison Act is signed into law.
- 1933 (April 7): The act goes into effect; beer sales resume.
- 2009: Justin Smith establishes National Beer Day.
- 2017: Official recognition by Virginia’s Governor and Congress.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 7 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 7 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 7 | Friday |
| 2029 | April 7 | Saturday |
| 2030 | April 7 | Sunday |
Observed
National Beer Day is observed across the U.S. with brewery tours, beer tastings, and gatherings at bars and restaurants. Many also celebrate “New Beer’s Eve” on April 6.
Fun Facts About Beer
- The oldest recorded recipe is for beer, dating back over 4,000 years.
- The strongest beer ever brewed has an alcohol content of 65%.
- “Cenosillicaphobia” is the fear of an empty beer glass.
- President Roosevelt famously said, “I think this would be a good time for a beer,” when signing the Cullen-Harrison Act.
Quiz
- What year did the Cullen-Harrison Act go into effect?
- Who founded National Beer Day?
- What is celebrated on April 6 before National Beer Day?
(Answers: 1. 1933; 2. Justin Smith; 3. New Beer’s Eve)
FAQs
Q: Is National Beer Day a federal holiday?
A: No, it is an unofficial holiday celebrated nationwide.
Q: Why is it celebrated on April 7?
A: It marks the day in 1933 when beer sales became legal again after Prohibition.
Q: Can non-drinkers celebrate National Beer Day?
A: Absolutely! They can join friends or explore non-alcoholic beers.
Importance of National Beer Day
This day honors not only the cultural significance of beer but also its economic contributions through breweries and local businesses. It also serves as a reminder of historical milestones like the end of Prohibition.
Related
- International Beer Day (August)
- Oktoberfest (Germany)
- St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland)
