Oklahoma liquor law history
1907: Oklahoma joins the union, prohibition written into its constitution.
1908-11: State operates alcohol dispensaries. Alcohol is legally available by prescription.
1919: The 18th Amendment prohibits the purchase/sale of alcohol nationwide.
1933: 18th Amendment repealed by the federal government; Oklahoma compromises by legalizing 3.2 APV beer.
1957: Prohibitionists target beer with a state question to make it lawful only by county option. The attempt is such a resounding failure, it motivates the repeal movement and encourages gubernatorial candidate J Howard Edmondson to promise, if elected, to put the matter to vote of the people
1958: J Howard Edmondson elected governor. He empowers Commissioner of Public Safety Joe Cannon to enforce liquor laws to full extent of the law. The Cannon Raids swiftly shift public sentiment in favor or repeal. Edmondson fulfills a campaign promise in putting the issue of repeal to a vote of the people in a special election.
1959: Voters overwhelmingly pass repeal in April; The Liquor Control Act goes into effect Sept. 1.
1960: Discount liquor retailer dies from injuries incurred when his boat on Lake Texoma explodes.
1964: Byron’s Package Store firebombed twice.
1977: Full-strength domestic beer leaves liquor store shelves.
1984: Voters pass legislation allowing the sale of liquor by the drink in restaurants and clubs.
2016: Voters overwhelmingly pass State Questions 792 and 424, marking the largest legislative change to the liquor industry since prohibition repeal.