While the U.S. ended federal Prohibition in 1933, local restrictions on alcohol still persist across the country to this day.
As Visual Capitalist shows in the map below, based on work by Wikipedia user Mr. Matté, many counties remain “dry,” banning the sale of alcohol entirely, or “moist,” allowing only limited sales.
Where Alcohol is Still Restricted
The data, crowdsourced from local government sites and media reports, reveals that alcohol restrictions are concentrated in the South, particularly in states like Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Arkansas stands out the most in the map above, with a patchwork of red and orange counties indicating either total bans or partial restrictions on alcohol sales. In fact, the state has long struggled with outdated liquor laws, where even grocery stores in “moist” counties may be prohibited from selling wine or spirits.
Alcohol Status: It’s Complicated
Here’s what the terminology means:
- Dry county: No alcohol sales allowed by law
- Moist county: Alcohol sales are partially restricted (e.g. allowed in restaurants but not in stores)
- Wet county: Alcohol can be sold without county-level restriction
Even within “wet” counties, individual towns may choose to remain dry, and in “dry” counties, specific towns or establishments can apply for exemptions, creating a legal maze for consumers and businesses alike.
Hellbound and Down 