History of Alcohol and its Regulations By nysteve429 Jun 6, 1789 whisky tax founded in america May 16, 1802 whisky tax is repealed Mar 4, 1814 Alcohol tax imposed to help pay for War of 1812 May 4, 1850 New York Bartenders invent the cocktail Mar 4, 1862 Abraham Lincoln imposes a new tax on liquor to help pay the bills from the Civil War. Oct 7, 1906 The Pure Food and Drug Act is passed, regulating the labeling of products containing alcohol. Sep 22, 1910 New York introduces the first drunk-driving laws. Feb 19, 1920 Prohibition banning alcohol Jan 27, 1933 Prohibition is repealed Aug 7, 1935 Alcoholics Anonymous is established Apr 29, 1970 The minimum drinking age is lowered in 29 states from 21 to 18 Mar 4, 1980 Mothers Against Drunk Driving is established Oct 4, 1986 Legal drinking age raised to 21 May 6, 2000 Government makes it illegal to drive with blood alcohol concentration at or above .08 percent.