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During the Prohibition in the United States, owning alcohol was permitted, though selling it was prohibited.

If I had a barrel of Vodka which I bought before the prohibition was made law, would I be allowed to sell it to a non-Jew for Pesach (Dina Demalchusa)?

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    Can you think of any reason that you would be able to?
    – Double AA
    Apr 12, 2013 at 19:45
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    vodka in a barrel?
    – rosends
    Apr 12, 2013 at 19:51
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    @DoubleAA some Poskim place limits on Dina Demalchuta. Apr 12, 2013 at 20:11
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    I never seem to be able to keep a lot of it around. I'd think glass over wood (which would impart a flavor). No Sherry Cask issues with vodka.
    – rosends
    Apr 12, 2013 at 20:30
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    What about selling it to a Canadian? Apr 12, 2013 at 21:03

1 Answer 1

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In my opinion it would be permitted because enforcement of prohibition was selective and selective enforcement is one of the things that nullifies Dina Demalchusa.

The selective enforcement was for two reasons: there was insufficient manpower to do better, and states had no interest in doing it, leaving the job to federal agents.

So a local officer would ignore the violation, but a federal one would not.

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