War on Alcohol Ended 73 Years Ago Today

Ronald Bailey | December 5, 2006

Dewar's scotch is running a double page ad celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in the New York Times today. The ad reprints the front page of the December 5, 1933 New York Times "To Remind You Just How Bad It Could Have Been." The New York Times headline reads, "Legal Liquor Due Tonight: City Ready to Celebrate: Stores to Open Tomorrow."  An interesting subhead notes the economic effect of eliminating black markets: "Repeal Cuts Price of Drinks in Half."

Unfortunately, there is no end in sight yet for the similarly insane War on Drugs.

Disclosure: I don't own Dewar's stock and I will lift a glass of Lagavulin this evening to toast the anniversary.

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