Dry county

Dry County

A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of any kind of alcoholic beverage. These counties are known for their strict alcohol control laws, which are often rooted in historical and cultural factors.

Map of alcohol control in the United States

History

The concept of dry counties in the United States dates back to the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. During this time, the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned nationwide under the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Although Prohibition was repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution, many local governments chose to remain dry, maintaining their bans on alcohol sales.

Reasons for Dry Counties

There are several reasons why a county might choose to remain dry:

• Religious Beliefs: In some regions, particularly in the Bible Belt, religious groups have a strong influence on local laws and may advocate for dry status based on moral grounds.
• Public Health and Safety: Some communities believe that restricting alcohol sales can reduce alcohol-related harm, such as drunk driving and alcoholism.
• Cultural Traditions: In certain areas, the tradition of being a dry county is deeply ingrained in the local culture and identity.

Impact of Dry Counties

The impact of dry counties can be seen in various aspects of community life:

• Economic Effects: Dry counties may miss out on potential tax revenue from alcohol sales. However, they may also avoid some costs associated with alcohol-related issues.
• Social Effects: The lack of legal alcohol sales can lead to "bootlegging" or residents traveling to nearby wet counties to purchase alcohol.
• Legal and Political Effects: The status of a county as dry or wet can be a contentious political issue, with debates often centered around personal freedom versus community standards.

Current Status

As of the present day, there are still numerous dry counties across the United States, particularly in the southern and midwestern regions. The status of a county as dry or wet can change over time, often through local referendums or changes in state law.

Related Pages

• Prohibition in the United States
• Alcohol laws of the United States by state
• Temperance movement
• Alcoholic beverage control state