National Repeal Day

Celebrated on 12/05/2026

Quick Fact

National Repeal Day, celebrated on December 5th, marks the anniversary of the ratification of the 21st Amendment in 1933, which ended Prohibition in the United States. This day is often celebrated by raising a glass to the end of the 18th Amendment, which had banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol for 13 years.

Origins and Establishment of National Repeal Day

National Repeal Day commemorates the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on December 5, 1933, which repealed the 18th Amendment and ended the nationwide prohibition of alcohol. Prohibition, enacted in 1920, had been a controversial experiment that led to widespread illegal bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime. The movement for repeal gained momentum as the Great Depression highlighted the need for jobs and tax revenue from legal alcohol sales. The 21st Amendment was passed by Congress in February 1933 and quickly ratified by the required 36 states by the end of the year, making it the only amendment to repeal another.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its official recognition in the 1930s, National Repeal Day has grown from a niche observance to a celebration of personal freedom and the end of a failed policy. Many bars, breweries, and distilleries host special events, tastings, and happy hours on December 5th. The day also serves as a reminder of the consequences of prohibition and the importance of responsible drinking. In recent years, it has been embraced by cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike, often featuring themed parties and educational discussions about the Prohibition era.

Facts & General Observations

• The 21st Amendment is the only constitutional amendment to repeal another, and it is also the only one ratified by state ratifying conventions rather than state legislatures.
• Prohibition led to a significant drop in alcohol consumption (from about 2.6 gallons per capita in 1910 to 0.9 gallons in 1934), but it also gave rise to a black market that contributed to organized crime.
• The Cullen-Harrison Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in March 1933, legalized the sale of low-alcohol beer and wine months before full repeal, allowing Americans to enjoy "near beer" on April 7, 1933.

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