History of National Beer Day (United States) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2025

National Beer Day in the United States falls on April 7th. It commemorates the enactment of the Cullen-Harrison Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 22, 1933. This act legalized the sale of beer with an alcohol content of no more than 3.2% (by weight), a pivotal step towards ending Prohibition. The day before, April 6th, is often celebrated as New Beer's Eve. The Cullen-Harrison Act paved the way for the eventual repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment with the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment on December 5, 1933, fully ending Prohibition.

March 22, 1933: Cullen-Harrison Act Signed

On March 22, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen–Harrison Act into law, paving the way for the end of Prohibition and the legal sale of beer.

December 5, 1933: Eighteenth Amendment Repealed

On December 5, 1933, the Eighteenth Amendment was repealed with the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment, marking the end of Prohibition in the United States.

1933: Beer Legalized and Celebrated

In 1933, following the enactment of laws allowing beer sales, people across the country gathered outside breweries, and on the first day of legalization, 1.5 million barrels of beer were consumed, inspiring what would become National Beer Day.

1933: Cullen-Harrison Act Amended the Volstead Act

In 1933, the Cullen-Harrison Act amended the Volstead Act, modifying the definition of intoxicating liquors to allow the production of beer with up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (or 4.05% by volume).

2009: First National Beer Day

In 2009, Justin Smith of Richmond, Virginia, initiated the first National Beer Day, promoted through a Facebook page and later supported by the beer-drinking app Untappd, which created a badge for users who checked in a beer on April 7.

2017: National Beer Day Recognized in Congressional Record

In 2017, Congressman Dave Brat officially recognized National Beer Day in the Congressional Record, further solidifying its place in American culture.

2017: National Beer Day Recognized by Virginia Governor

In 2017, National Beer Day was officially recognized by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, marking a milestone in the holiday's recognition.

2018: Virginia General Assembly Recognizes National Beer Day

In 2018, the Virginia General Assembly passed a joint resolution recognizing National Beer Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia, adding to the holiday's official recognition.