This article investigates why alcohol restrictions persist in certain U.S. counties despite the end of national Prohibition.

Key Question:

Why do some areas remain "dry" decades later?

Data & Methods:

* Analyzed data from over 3,000 American counties

* Focused on early-to-mid 20th century prohibition patterns and their modern persistence

* Measured county-level restrictions using contemporary datasets

Key Findings:

* Dominant Factor: Evangelical Protestant religious composition strongly predicted ongoing prohibition.

* Contrasting Influence: Conversely, a high concentration of Roman Catholics was associated with reduced likelihood of current restrictions.

* Regional Pattern: Prohibition persistence is concentrated in the Southern United States.

Why It Matters?

This research demonstrates that religion remains a powerful force shaping contemporary alcohol policies at the local level. The findings highlight how regional political dynamics, rooted in specific religious demographics decades ago, continue to influence policy decisions today.