Buying Beer In Virginia: Grocery Store Guide

Virginia has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol. The state is one of 17 control states, meaning the government regulates how spirits are sold. Beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores and gas stations, but hard liquor is only sold in state-run ABC stores.

Beer and wine can be bought in grocery stores in Virginia

Beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores in Virginia. However, there are some important regulations to be aware of. Firstly, Virginia is one of 17 control states, meaning the state 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, and only wine and beer can be sold in grocery stores. Spirits are only sold at state-owned and operated liquor stores.

The history of alcohol control in Virginia is interesting. After Prohibition ended, Virginia allowed retailers to sell beer and wine while retaining control over hard liquor. Today, over 16,000 retailers are licensed to sell beer and wine, and customers can legally purchase these beverages from almost any grocery store or gas station. These retailers compete by offering products at different price points, providing convenient hours, and emphasising customer service.

The hours during which alcohol can be sold in Virginia are also regulated. On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, are allowed to sell alcohol between 6 am and 2 am, seven days a week. Off-premise or retail locations, including grocery stores and gas stations, can sell alcohol from 6 am to midnight daily. State-run ABC stores, which sell spirits, are generally open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Virginia has specific laws regarding alcohol sales on Sundays. While alcohol can be purchased on Sundays, sales are restricted between 12 am and 6 am, and retailers located within 500 feet of a church cannot sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.

It is important to note that Virginia has strict penalties for selling or providing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21, with fines of up to $2,550 and/or up to a year in jail. Additionally, drinking alcohol on public property, such as sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and parks, is illegal in Virginia.

Spirits are only sold in state-run stores

Virginia is a control state, meaning that the state government regulates how spirits are sold. Spirits are only sold in state-run stores, while beer and wine can be purchased from grocery stores and gas stations. This is because, in Virginia, spirits are only sold at state-owned and operated liquor stores, usually open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) maintains exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations. It manages a network of over 400 retail outlets strategically positioned throughout the Commonwealth, ensuring that approximately 93% of Virginia residents live within a 10-minute drive of an ABC store.

The Virginia ABC's role as both a wholesaler and retailer for spirits is unique to the state. It is also an independent political subdivision, which has enhanced its operational flexibility and efficiency in serving its triple role as retailer, wholesaler, and regulator.

The history of alcohol control in Virginia is interesting. With the end of Prohibition, Virginia allowed retailers to sell beer and wine while retaining control over spirits. Today, over 16,000 retailers are licensed to sell beer and wine, while the Virginia ABC has exclusive control over selling spirits directly to consumers.

The state's control over spirits sales allows it to protect public safety and collect funds to support the state. For example, revenue from alcohol sales is put into a general fund, and some of this money goes toward alcohol education, prevention, and training for employees who handle alcohol at licensed businesses. Virginia ABC store sales also provide grant funding for community improvement programs and new initiatives at Virginia colleges and universities.

Alcohol sales hours are 6 am to 12 am

Alcohol sales laws in Virginia vary depending on the type of retailer and the day of the week. On-premise locations, such as restaurants and clubs with mixed liquor licenses, are typically allowed to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week. However, there are some exceptions to these hours. For example, in localities where the sale of mixed beverages has been authorised, on-premises sales and consumption are prohibited from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. In all other localities, the restricted hours are from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Additionally, retailers located within 500 feet of a church are not permitted to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.

Off-premise alcohol retailers, such as grocery stores and gas stations, are generally allowed to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. These retailers include popular stores like Walmart, Target, and CVS, which follow the same regulations as other retailers in the state. It is important to note that off-premise retailers are only permitted to sell wine and beer, as the sale of distilled spirits is restricted to state-owned and operated liquor stores. These state-run ABC stores usually maintain different operating hours, often opening from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Virginia have undergone some changes in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support businesses during this challenging time, the state legalised the sale of to-go cocktails at licensed establishments. Additionally, there were extensions provided for outdoor special events to sell alcohol for extended periods. These changes were implemented to boost sales and provide flexibility to businesses navigating the pandemic's impact.

Alcohol can be bought online

In Virginia, alcohol laws are regulated by the state government, which closely controls the sale of distilled spirits. However, the state does allow for the online purchase of liquor, which can be shipped directly to consumers.

Virginia is one of the largest control markets in the United States, with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) maintaining exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations. This means that distilled spirits are only sold at state-owned and operated liquor stores called ABC stores. These stores are usually open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

While Virginia closely regulates the sale of spirits, it does allow for the online purchase of liquor. This means that consumers can buy liquor online and have it shipped directly to their homes. This is a convenient option for those who want to purchase alcohol without visiting a physical store.

To buy liquor online in Virginia, consumers must be over the legal drinking age, which is 21 years old. Additionally, Virginia law limits the amount of alcohol that can be shipped to a single consumer. Retailers can ship up to two cases of wine or two cases of beer per month to a single consumer.

It is important to note that not all websites will ship liquor to Virginia, and some people have reported challenges in finding reputable retailers that will ship to the state. However, some online liquor retailers do serve Virginia, and consumers can also use services like FedEx to have their purchases shipped to a store in a nearby state, such as DC, for pickup.

In addition to buying liquor online, Virginia residents can also purchase beer and wine from grocery stores and gas stations. These retailers offer a range of products at different price points and provide convenient hours of operation. However, hard liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores.

Virginia's alcohol laws aim to balance public safety with supporting the state's beverage alcohol industry. The revenue generated from alcohol sales is used to fund various community improvement programs and initiatives at Virginia colleges and universities.

Alcohol cannot be consumed in public spaces

In Virginia, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces. Virginia Code §4.1-308 makes drinking an alcoholic beverage in public, or offering one to another person, a Class 4 misdemeanour, with a penalty of up to $250. This law applies even if you are not drunk and only take a sip of an alcoholic drink. It is important to note that a conviction will result in a criminal record.

The Virginia Code defines a public place as any place, building, or conveyance where the public has access or is permitted to have access. This includes hotel lobbies, corridors, or dining rooms, as well as highways, streets, and sidewalks. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, private meetings or parties held in rooms in restaurants, hotels, offices, or industrial buildings are not considered public places. Similarly, private or chartered boats where alcoholic beverages are not being sold are also excluded.

Licensed establishments that sell alcohol are exempt from the law, as long as the alcohol consumed or offered was purchased on the premises. This also applies to rooms or areas where the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has issued a banquet or mixed beverages special events license, and events where a coliseum or stadium license has been granted. Additionally, passengers on chartered boats that are not licensed by the Board and do not sell alcohol are allowed to drink their own alcoholic beverages.

Virginia has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption in public spaces, and it is important to be aware of these regulations to avoid legal consequences. While there are some exceptions to the rule, it is generally prohibited to consume or offer alcohol in public places in the state of Virginia.

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