110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 415 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Whereas throughout American history, alcohol has been con-
sumed by its citizens and regulated by the Government; 
Whereas prior to the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, 
which established Prohibition in the United States, 
abuses and insufficient regulation resulted in irrespon-
sible overconsumption of alcohol;
•HCON 415 EH 
Whereas passage of the 18th Amendment, which prohibited 
‘‘the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating 
liquors’’ in the United States, resulted in a dramatic in-
crease in illegal activity, including unsafe black market 
alcohol production, organized crime, and noncompliance 
with alcohol laws; 
Whereas the platforms of the 2 major political parties in the 
1932 presidential campaigns advocated ending national 
Prohibition by repealing the 18th Amendment; 
Whereas on February 20, 1933, the 2nd Session of the 72nd 
Congress submitted to conventions of the States the 
question of repealing the 18th Amendment and adding 
new language to the Constitution that the transportation 
or importation of alcoholic beverages for delivery or use 
in any State would have to be carried out in compliance 
with the laws of the State; 
Whereas on December 3, 1933, Utah became the 36th State 
to approve what became the 21st Amendment to the Con-
stitution, the quickest-ratified amendment and the only 
ever decided by State conventions, pursuant to article V 
of the Constitution; 
Whereas alcohol is the only product in commerce that has 
been the subject of 2 constitutional amendments; 
Whereas Congress’s reenactment of the Webb-Kenyon Act, 
passage of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, the 
21st Amendment Enforcement Act, annual appropria-
tions to support State enforcement of underage drinking 
laws, and the STOP Underage Drinking Act dem-
onstrated the longstanding and continuing intent of Con-
gress that States exercise their primary authority to 
achieve temperance, the creation and maintenance of or-
•HCON 415 EH 
derly and stable markets, and the facilitation of the effi-
cient collection of taxes; 
Whereas legislatures and alcoholic beverage control agencies 
in the 50 States have worked diligently to implement the 
powers granted by the 21st Amendment for 75 years; 
Whereas legislatures and alcoholic beverage control agencies 
in all States created and maintain State-based regulatory 
systems for alcohol distribution made up of producers 
and importers, wholesale distributors, and retailers; 
Whereas development of a transparent and accountable sys-
tem of distribution and sales, an orderly market, temper-
ance in consumption and safe practices, the efficient col-
lection of taxes, and other essential policies have been 
successfully guided by the collective experience and co-
operation of government agencies and licensed industry 
members throughout our geographically and culturally di-
verse Nation; 
Whereas regulated commerce in alcoholic beverages contrib-
utes billions of dollars in Federal and State tax revenues 
and additional billions to the economy annually; 
Whereas 2,500 breweries, distilleries, wineries, and import 
companies, 2,700 wholesale distributor facilities, over 
530,000 retail outlets, and numerous agricultural, pack-
aging, and transportation businesses support the employ-
ment of millions of Americans; 
Whereas the American system of State-based alcohol regula-
tion has resulted in a marketplace with unprecedented 
choice, variety, and selection for consumers; 
Whereas members of the licensed alcoholic beverage industry 
have been constant partners with Federal and State Gov-
ernments in balancing the conduct of competitive busi-
•HCON 415 EH 
nesses with the need to control alcohol in order to provide 
American consumers with a safe and regulated supply of 
alcoholic beverages; and 
Whereas members of the licensed alcoholic beverage industry 
have created and supported a wide range of national, 
State, and community programs to address problems as-
sociated with alcohol abuse, including drunk driving and 
underage drinking: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress— 
(1) celebrates 75 years of effective State-based 
alcohol regulation since the passage of the 21st 
Amendment; 
(2) recognizes State lawmakers, regulators, law 
enforcement officers, the public health community 
and industry members for creating a workable, legal, 
and successful system of alcoholic beverage regula-
tion, distribution, and sale; and 
(3) continues to support policies that allow 
States to effectively regulate alcohol. 
Passed the House of Representatives September 17, 
2008. 
Attest: 
Clerk.
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 415 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Celebrating 75 years of effective State-based alco-
hol regulation and recognizing State lawmakers, 
regulators, law enforcement officers, the public 
health community and industry members for cre-
ating a workable, legal, and successful system of 
alcoholic beverage regulation, distribution, and 
sale.