The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) administers ABC laws with an emphasis on public safety by ensuring an orderly and regulated system for convenient sales and responsible consumption of alcohol. In 2018, Virginia ABC transitioned from a traditional state government agency to an authority, an independent political subdivision, which provides more flexibility and efficiency as a retailer, wholesaler and regulator of distilled spirits.
Virginia ABC is a leading revenue producer for the commonwealth and the source of future economic growth and innovation for the state. The profits that Virginia ABC contributes—collected from sales of distilled spirits at stores across the commonwealth, taxes collected on beer and wine sales, violation penalties and license fees—provide much-needed funding for use in a multitude of state programs. Virginia ABC offers a wide selection of merchandise—including distilled spirits, mixers and Virginia-made wines—with thousands of items available in its online product catalog.
Special agents in Virginia ABC’s Bureau of Law Enforcement are ABC law educators and regulators, working directly with nearly 21,000 licensed businesses to address non-compliance issues and reduce criminal activity involving alcohol. These agents also initiate public safety investigations following incidents at licensed establishments, which involve assisting and cooperating with local law enforcement agencies, civic leagues, residents, businesses and other community stakeholders. The bureau is also comprised of licensing, compliance and records management. When there is a disciplinary matter involving a licensee (i.e., a business is charged with an ABC law violation), a contested ABC license application or an issue involving contract disputes between beer or wine producers and their distributors, the agency holds administrative hearings.
Virginia ABC believes in a multi-faceted approach to alcohol education and prevention and includes individuals, families, licensees and communities in its programming curriculum. The agency offers alcohol prevention and public education initiatives to include training and resources for Virginians of all ages, schools, coalitions, health care providers and those who sell and serve alcohol.
