MultiVu Video Feed: Raise a Glass on April 7th to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition for Beer

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NEWS: Americans Across the Country Will Raise a Glass on April 7 to
Toast the Significant Milestone in Our Nation's History

FORMAT: B-roll and Soundbites

STORY SUMMARY:

Americans across the country will raise a glass on April 7 to toast the significant milestone in our nation's history. This date marks the 75th Anniversary of the end of Prohibition for the U.S. brewing industry.

Historians note that Prohibition officially ended on December 5, 1933, with the ratification of the 21st Amendment. But earlier that year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt took steps to fulfill his campaign promise to end the national ban on alcohol. He spurred Congress to pass the Cullen-Harrison Act, allowing the sale of beer eight months prior to the passage of the 21st Amendment. Roosevelt himself received newly legalized beer at The White House to toast what was the beginning of the end for Prohibition.

Anheuser-Busch, the nation's largest brewer, will celebrate this historic date with activities commemorating the events of April 7, 1933. First, it will re-create the historic, Prohibition-era photo of the Budweiser Clydesdales in Washington D.C. A-B will also hold a celebration at its St. Louis Brewery, which will feature the re-broadcast of August A. Busch Jr.'s national radio address and the introduction of the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Budweiser was among America's best selling beers until Prohibition halted production in 1919, leaving many American workers jobless during a troubling time. The end of Prohibition meant more than just the return of beer, it meant a return to work for many Americans -- farmers, skilled workers, businesses, etc. -- and a spark to the national economy during the Depression.

Since 1933, the industry has grown significantly and continues to be a dynamic part of our national economy. Current statistics regarding the economic impact of the U.S. brewing industry include:

-- Generates more than $6.2 billion in revenue
-- Employs approximately 1.7 million Americans and pays almost $55 billion
in wages and benefits
-- Pays over $36 billion in various taxes

SOUNDBITES:
-- Tom Shipley, Brand Director, Budweiser

B-ROLL INCLUDES:
-- Images from re-creation of historic Clydesdale photo in D.C.
-- Historical photos from the end of Prohibition for beer
-- Audio and still images of August Busch Jr's national radio address

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Anheuser Busch

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PRNewswire -- April 6, 2008

Source: Anheuser Busch

2008-04-06 14:02:05 0328799 PRNEWSWIRE