Utah celebrates 90 years since repealing Prohibition
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Ninety years ago this week, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, repealing Prohibition — and we were super proud of ourselves.
- This is Old News, where we raise a glass Utah's past.
Why it mattered: The Dec. 5, 1933 convention made Utah the state that ended the 13-year national ban on alcohol — a role it desperately wanted to play.
What they said: "We are determined no other state shall take this glory away from Utah," said Franklin Riter, one of the delegates elected the previous month in a statewide referendum that favored repeal.
Of note: Utah was so committed to being the deciding state that delegates here initially planned to delay the vote until nighttime.
- Ohio and Pennsylvania held their conventions the same day, and Utah didn't want to ratify before either of them, which would give up its claim to No. 36.
The intrigue: The planned delay in Utah threatened the massive parties planned in New York and other eastern cities since it would be too late for liquor deliveries there.
"I am sorry that our plans may upset the starting time of celebrations in eastern centers, but we're not going to lose this honor."— Franklin Riter, in a Salt Lake Tribune report
What happened: To the relief of the nation, Ohio and Pennsylvania moved quickly and — upon hearing a rumor that Maine was considering swooping in with a thunder-stealing vote that day — Utah delegates passed the amendment at "3:31 1/2 pm," the Tribune reported.
- "Utah thrills with pride at being the state which brings about this change," proclaimed Ray L. Olson, convention president.
The latest: Prohibition, the speakeasy near Fashion Place Mall, is celebrating the anniversary on Tuesday with blues music, specials and a signature martini.
- Lucky 13 is also hosting a Repeal Day fundraiser party on Tuesday for the Sub for Santa holiday assistance fund.