Dry town

Dry Town is a term used in the United States to refer to a municipality or county where the sale of alcohol is prohibited or restricted. The concept of a dry town originated during the Prohibition era in the United States, when the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal nationwide.

History

The concept of a dry town has its roots in the Temperance movement in the United States, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption. The movement gained significant traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919, which ushered in the era of Prohibition.

Despite the repeal of Prohibition with the 21st Amendment in 1933, many municipalities and counties chose to remain dry. These areas continue to prohibit the sale of alcohol to varying degrees, with some banning all sales, while others only restrict certain types of sales, such as those on Sundays or in grocery stores.

Laws and Regulations

The laws governing dry towns vary by state and even by municipality. In some states, such as Kentucky, the entire state is dry by default, and municipalities must vote to become "wet" or "moist" (allowing some alcohol sales). In other states, such as Texas, individual counties decide whether to allow alcohol sales.

Impact

The impact of being a dry town can be significant. On one hand, proponents argue that these laws help to reduce problems associated with alcohol consumption, such as drunk driving and domestic violence. On the other hand, opponents argue that these laws can hurt local businesses and limit personal freedom.

See Also

• Prohibition in the United States
• Temperance movement
• Alcohol laws of the United States