Dry, Moist & Wet Counties In The US: Based On Where You Can & Can’t Buy Alcohol

The map above shows counties in the United States where you can and can’t buy alcohol.

In the blue (wet) counties you can buy alcohol without any restrictions beyond age.

In the red (dry) counties you can’t buy any alcohol whatsoever.

And in the yellow (moist or semi-dry) counties there are some additional restrictions beyond age such as city level restrictions or alcohol type.

A “dry county” is a county in the United States where the sale of alcoholic beverages is completely prohibited.

These restrictions can be absolute or might still allow for the consumption and possession of alcohol while prohibiting its sale.

History of Dry Counties

1. Roots in Temperance Movements (1800s):
   • The temperance movement in the 19th century advocated for abstinence from alcohol due to its perceived role in societal ills like crime, domestic violence, and poverty.
   • Religious and moral groups, particularly in rural and southern regions, were at the forefront.
2. Prohibition Era (1920–1933):
   • The nationwide prohibition of alcohol began with the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act in 1920. It made the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol illegal.
   • Prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the 21st Amendment, which gave individual states the power to regulate alcohol sales.
3. Post-Prohibition Local Control:
   • After repeal, many states allowed local jurisdictions (counties and towns) to decide their own alcohol laws.
   • This led to the existence of dry counties where alcohol sales remained banned.

Reasons for Dry Counties

1. Religious Influence:
   • Strong religious traditions, especially in the Bible Belt (Southern U.S.), associate alcohol consumption with immorality and sin.
2. Cultural Preferences:
   • Some communities view alcohol bans as a way to preserve local culture and values.
3. Perception of Public Safety:
   • Supporters argue that banning alcohol reduces alcohol-related crimes, accidents, and health issues.
4. Economic Isolation:
   • In rural areas, isolation may prevent opposition to restrictive laws, as there are fewer incentives to commercialize alcohol.

Pros and Cons of Dry Counties

Pros:

1. Reduced Alcohol Abuse:
   • Proponents argue that bans help lower alcohol-related health issues, crime rates, and addiction problems.
2. Public Safety:
   • Supporters claim dry counties have fewer incidents of drunk driving or alcohol-related accidents.
3. Preservation of Community Values:
   • Many dry counties take pride in maintaining cultural and religious norms.

Cons:

1. Economic Impact:
   • Dry counties often lose out on tax revenue from alcohol sales.
   • Businesses such as restaurants and tourism are also affected.
2. Inconvenience and Hypocrisy:
   • Residents may simply travel to nearby wet counties or states to purchase alcohol, undermining the purpose of the ban.
3. Encourages Illicit Behavior:
   • Alcohol bans can lead to illegal distribution, “bootlegging,” or unregulated home brewing.
4. Lack of Economic Growth:
   • Potential investors or businesses may avoid dry counties, stifling local economies.

Moist Counties

Definition
A “moist county” is a compromise between “dry” and “wet” counties. In these areas, alcohol sales are partially restricted or permitted under specific conditions.

Examples of Moist Counties

1. Alcohol may only be sold in certain areas like cities within the county, while rural parts remain dry.
2. Alcohol sales might be limited to restaurants or establishments where food is the primary business.
3. Package stores (liquor stores) might be prohibited, but alcohol can be served on-premises (e.g., bars, clubs).

Reasons for Moist Counties

• Economic Balance: Moist counties attempt to capture economic benefits from alcohol sales without completely overturning local norms or values.
• Community Agreement: It can serve as a middle ground, respecting both those who oppose and support alcohol availability.

Current Trends

• Many counties are reconsidering their dry status due to the economic benefits of allowing alcohol sales, particularly with the growth of restaurants, breweries, and tourism industries.
• However, dry and moist counties remain more prevalent in the Southern U.S., where cultural and religious values strongly influence alcohol laws.

Also see: America’s Drunkest & Driest Counties

Do you think dry counties make sense in the 21st century?