The 120-year prohibition in Cardston, Canada, has officially come to an end this week, with the town serving its first legal alcoholic beverages. According to The Washington Times, last year, the town council voted 5 to 2 to lift the ban, allowing local establishments to obtain licenses for selling alcohol.
After months of preparation, High 5 restaurant in Cardston became the first to offer guests a strong drink. While licenses are now available to restaurants and the local golf course, the town’s laws still prohibit the operation of bars, clubs, and liquor stores.
Cardston, located in the province of Alberta, first enacted its alcohol ban in 1902. Although Alberta later implemented a province-wide prohibition, it was lifted in 1924. However, Cardston remained a “dry” town, maintaining the prohibition for nearly a century.
The town was founded by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which prohibits alcohol consumption. As of 2021, 62% of the town’s population were members of the church.
