On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, ending our nation’s failed experiment with alcohol prohibition. Yet, 81 years later, modern-day prohibitionists continue to deny the laws of supply and demand, attempting to control what individuals can choose to put into their own bodies.
The War on Drugs is a glaring example of contemporary prohibitionism, but nanny-staters have even attempted to ban substances as innocuous as “too-large” sodas or gourmet cheeses.
This Friday, join the Cato Institute for a look at prohibition 81 years after the repeal of the 18th Amendment.
I will be moderating a panel featuring Cato Senior Fellow Walter Olson, editor of the nation’s oldest law blog Overlawyered.com; Stacia Cosner, Deputy Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy; and Michelle Minton, Fellow in Consumer Policy Studies at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Panelists will discuss modern prohibitions—from the Drug War to blue laws, and from tobacco regulation to trans fats—drawing connections with their earlier antecedent.
Alcoholic beverages and other commonly restricted refreshments (bring on the trans fats!) will be served following the discussion.
What better place to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition than the Cato Institute? Space is limited, so make sure to register for your chance to go home with a commemorative door prize.
Not in D.C.? The panel will be live-streamed and questions may be submitted via Twitter using #CatoDigital.
#CatoDigital (formerly #NewMediaLunch) is a regular event series at the Cato Institute highlighting the intersection of tech, social media, and the ideas of liberty. Email Kat Murti at kmurti@cato.org to get future event updates and more.
