Virginia's Single Beer Purchase: What's The Deal?

Virginia has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol. The state is one of 17 control states, meaning the government regulates how distilled spirits are sold. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) maintains exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations, with over 400 retail outlets across the state. The state law prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and retailers are required to check for valid identification before selling alcohol. Virginia allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays, but with certain restrictions in place. With these parameters in mind, it is important to understand the specific regulations for purchasing a single beer in Virginia.

Virginia's drinking age

Virginia has strict laws regarding underage drinking, and the legal drinking age in the state is 21 years. The state's history with drinking laws has been dynamic, with the drinking age for beer and wine being lowered to 18 in 1974, and then increased again to 21 in 1985. This change was due to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which required all states to raise their minimum drinking age to 21, with non-compliance resulting in a loss of highway funds.

Virginia has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, and the laws apply to both public and private settings. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume, purchase, possess, or attempt to consume, purchase, or possess any alcoholic beverage. This includes exhibiting signs of alcohol consumption, such as physical indicators or behavioural changes. The state also prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors, and retailers are advised to request proper identification to verify a customer's age. The acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver's license, armed forces identification, a passport, or a state-issued identification card.

The penalties for underage drinking in Virginia are severe and can include fines, jail time, community service, and driver's license suspension. These laws are in place to protect both the young person and the public, as underage drinking is associated with increased risks of accidents, injuries, and other negative consequences.

There are a few exceptions to the underage drinking laws in Virginia. For example, persons under 21 may consume alcohol within their own home if their parents are present and no other guests are served. Additionally, underage consumption is permitted in a private, non-alcohol-selling premises with parental knowledge and consent. Minors may also possess and deliver alcohol as a condition of employment or within the scope of their duties as law enforcement officers.

Alcohol sale timings

Virginia has strict timings for the sale of alcohol, which vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week. On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, are typically allowed to sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. However, restaurants and clubs that sell both food and drinks are permitted to sell alcohol from an extended time frame of 6 a.m. to midnight. This longer time frame also applies to off-premise or retail locations, including grocery stores and gas stations.

State-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores, which have exclusive control over the sale of spirits in the state, usually operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. These stores also experienced changes in their opening hours during the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced hours of noon to 7 p.m. throughout the week, and some stores limited to Sunday hours of 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It is important to note that the sale of alcohol is restricted between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in localities where the sale of mixed beverages has been authorized. For all other localities, the restricted hours are from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. for both on-premises and off-premises sales. However, on New Year's Eve, licensees are granted an additional hour for on-premises sales.

Club licensees are an exception to these restricted hours, as they have no restrictions at any time. Individual licensees with more stringent restrictions set by the board must comply with those requirements. Additionally, licensees in the City of Danville are prohibited from selling wine and beer for off-premises consumption between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Virginia also has specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays. While alcohol can be sold on Sundays, there are restrictions in place between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., and retailers located within 500 feet of a church are not permitted to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.

Alcohol sale locations

Virginia is a control state, meaning the state government regulates how alcohol, especially distilled spirits, are sold. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) maintains exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations, managing a network of over 400 retail outlets. This means that spirits are only sold at state-run ABC stores.

However, other retailers like grocery stores, gas stations, Walmart, Target, and CVS are allowed to sell beer and wine. These retailers offer different price points, convenient hours, and a focus on customer service to compete for business.

For on-premise locations, alcohol can be sold between 6 am and 2 am from Monday to Sunday. Restaurants and clubs with mixed liquor licenses can sell alcohol until midnight, while off-premise and retail locations must stop alcohol sales at midnight.

The state of Virginia allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays, but there are some restrictions. The sale of alcohol is prohibited between 12 am and 6 am on Sundays, and retailers located within 500 feet of a church are not permitted to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were some changes to the laws surrounding alcohol sales. Licensed merchants were allowed to sell to-go cocktails, and businesses without a delivery permit could sell beer and wine for off-site consumption. Additionally, ABC stores changed their hours to help control the spread of the virus, opening at noon and closing at 7 pm throughout the week, and limiting Sunday hours from 1 pm to 6 pm. As of June 26, 2021, stores are open from noon to 9 pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 6 pm on Sundays.

Alcohol delivery services

Virginia has a range of alcohol delivery services, which can bring beer, wine, and spirits directly to your door.

Virginia ABC

The Virginia branch of Alcoholic Beverage Control offers same-day and next-day delivery services. Customers who live within 5 miles of certain stores can get same-day delivery for orders placed at least two hours before the store closes. There is a $10 minimum order and a maximum of 12 bottles. Delivery fees vary depending on the distance and the size of the order. A person aged 21 or over must be present to accept the delivery and show a valid form of ID.

Drizly

Drizly delivers beer, wine, and spirits across Virginia. Deliveries usually take under an hour, but this is subject to the store, time of day, order volume, and traffic conditions. Drizly offers contactless delivery, where you can show your ID to the driver without touching.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery brings wine, beer, and spirits to your door in as little as 30-60 minutes. They also offer flowers, glassware, and mixers. There is a $5 delivery fee for each order.

Alcohol sale restrictions

Virginia has various restrictions on the sale of alcohol, including the times and locations of sales, the type of alcohol that can be sold, and the age of the purchaser. Here is a detailed overview of these restrictions:

Age Verification

In Virginia, it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. While there is no legal requirement to check for identification, sellers are encouraged to request proper ID to verify a customer's age. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver's license, a U.S. passport, or a military identification card. It is important for sellers to be vigilant in preventing underage sales, as this is the most common violation.

Licensed Premises and Retailers

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) maintains control over the sale of distilled spirits, while other retailers are permitted to sell wine and beer. Gas stations, grocery stores, and even Walmart, Target, and CVS are allowed to sell beer and wine but not hard liquor. Hard liquor is exclusively sold at state-run ABC stores.

Sale Hours and Days

The sale of alcohol in Virginia is restricted to specific hours, which vary depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, are allowed to sell alcohol between 6 am and 2 am daily. Off-premise or retail locations must stop alcohol sales at midnight. However, there are exceptions for certain licensees, such as clubs, which have no restrictions, and localities with different regulations. Additionally, the sale of alcohol on Sundays is restricted between 12 am and 6 am, and retailers located within 500 feet of a church cannot sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were temporary changes to the sale hours, with ABC stores adjusting their hours to help control the spread of the virus. These temporary changes have since been reverted.

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping

Virginia allows direct-to-consumer shipping of alcohol, but this is limited to wine and beer only. Hard liquor is not eligible for direct-to-consumer shipping. Retailers can ship up to two cases of wine or beer per month to a single consumer.

These restrictions on alcohol sales in Virginia aim to balance the availability of alcohol for responsible adult consumers while also prioritizing public safety and underage prevention.

Frequently asked questions