United Repeal Council

The United Repeal Council promoted repeal of National Prohibition in the U.S. It was an advisory cabinet consisting of leaders of several important groups promoting Repeal.

• Crusaders.
• Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform.
• Association Against the Prohibition Amendment.
• American Hotel Association.
• Voluntary Committee of Lawyers.

It was established early in 1931 to lobby for Repeal planks at both the Republican and Democratic national conventions.

Pierre du Pont was selected chair of the Council. It was estimated to represent 2,500,000 Americans. Its long-range strategy was to promote the election of public officials who supported Repeal.

Council member Pauline Sabin

In hindsight, no long-range plans were needed. The failure of Prohibition and the serious problems it created soon led 74% of American voters to reject it.  Repeal occurred in 1933.

Prohibition was an abysmal and undeniable failure. More important, it created many very serious problems. Yet today, almost one of every five adults in the U.S. favors making drinking illegal. Even more support neo-prohibitionism. That’s why so many relics of Prohibition remain even now.

Resources on the United Repeal Council.

Kyvig, D.E. Repealing National Prohibition. Kent, OH: Kent State U. Press, 2000.

Newsreel video of Council members.

Rose, K.D. American Women and the Repeal of Prohibition. NY: New York U. Press, 1996. (Describes the Council.)

Time. Prohibition: United Repeal Council. Time, Jan 20, 1932.

Time. Prohibition: 142 words. Time, July 11, 1932. (Reported activities of the  Council.)

Time.  Prohibition: United Wets. Time,  Nov 7, 1932