Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of America celebrate repeal of 18th
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Press Club was the setting for a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the repeal of the 18th Amendment.
On Dec. 2, a capacity crowd of members and guests attended a reception sponsored by the Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of America, Inc. And although the club is one of the most sought-after addresses in the District for upscale gatherings, the location also loaned added significance to this event.
In an address by WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf, he detailed the events leading up to implementation of the law and its subsequent repeal.
“Dateline Washington, D.C., June 30, 1919. Prohibition begins at midnight in the District of Columbia, but the National Press Club somehow manages to continue selling beer and fine liquors to its members,” said Wolf. “Was it a speakeasy?” he continued to a round of laughter.
Continuing, Wolf then fast-forwarded his comments saying, “Dateline Washington, D.C., Mar. 2, 1933. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the 21st amendment and the National Press Club bar as the first to reopen its doors and is granted D. C. Liquor License #1.”
With those significant facts, it was apropos for the club to be the setting of a major anniversary celebration.
Wolf said the gathering at the club was fitting, “Because the 21st Amendment is to our business, America’s Wine and Spirits Wholesalers, what the 1st Amendment is to many of you in the news business. It’s the very foundation of our industry.”
But the association was not just hosting the event to promote their business. Wolf also discussed WSWA’s programs to promote responsible drinking. He discussed their successful three-tier system of distribution that has been cited twice with approval from the U. S. Supreme Court.
Wolf said the industry has not forgotten the abuses that led to prohibition.
“While the vast majority of those who consume our products do so responsibly in celebrating the memorable moments of their lives, we also understand that some are less responsible, “ he said. “As such, we recognize our duty to ensure that we act responsibly at all times and encourage others to do the same.”
One of WSWA’ s top priorities is speaking out against underage alcohol access and driving while intoxicated. On Sept. 24 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that formally recognized their “We Don’t Serve Teens” campaign.
Wolf also lauded their social responsibility partner Washington Regional Alcohol Program, in its 25th year of sponsoring Sober Ride.