Beer and wine can be purchased in Virginia from grocery and convenience stores, while spirits are sold in state-owned package stores. The sale of alcohol is restricted to between 6 am and midnight, with some exceptions for on-premises consumption and club licensees.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Minimum age to buy alcohol | 21 |
Penalty for possession of alcohol under 21 | $500-$2,550 in fines, up to 50 hours of community service, and/or up to 1 year in jail |
Penalty for using a fake ID | $500-$2,550 in fines, up to 50 hours of community service, and/or up to 1 year in jail, possible driver's license suspension, and/or alcohol abuse education |
Hours for selling alcohol in stores | 7 am to 2 pm |
Hours for selling alcohol in restaurants, clubs, and retail locations | 6 am to midnight |
Hours for selling alcohol in on-premises establishments | 6 am to 2 am |
Hours for selling alcohol in ABC stores | Noon to 7 pm throughout the week; some stores open at noon and close at 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 pm on Sundays |
Hours for selling alcohol in off-premises establishments | 12 am to 6 am |
Exceptions to restricted hours | Club licensees: no restrictions; individual licensees with more stringent restrictions; licensees in the City of Danville prohibited from selling wine and beer for off-premises consumption between 1 am and 6 am |
What You'll Learn
Beer and wine can be purchased from grocery stores and gas stations
In Virginia, beer and wine can be sold from 6 am to midnight every day, including weekends. This applies to grocery stores, gas stations, and other retailers. It's important to note that these hours are for off-premises consumption, meaning you can't drink the alcohol on-site.
For on-premises consumption, such as at bars and restaurants, the hours are extended. These establishments can serve alcohol from 6 am to 2 am. However, last call is usually around 1:30 am, and some places may choose to close earlier on weeknights.
It's worth mentioning that Virginia has specific laws regarding the sale of distilled spirits or hard liquor. These beverages can only be sold through state-run ABC stores, and the hours may vary, typically opening around 9 am or 10 am and closing at 9 pm. Many ABC stores are closed on Sundays, but those that are open often have reduced hours, closing at 6 pm.
Additionally, there are some exceptions to the restricted hours for alcohol sales. Club licensees, for example, have no restrictions on when they can sell alcohol.
Virginia has strict laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, and it's important to abide by these regulations to avoid penalties and promote responsible drinking.
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State-owned stores sell spirits
Virginia is one of 17 control states in the US, meaning that the state government regulates how spirits are sold. The state has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) earning money through retail sales, taxes on beer and wine sales, license fees, and violation fines. This revenue is used to support the state and promote the positive social benefits of alcohol consumption.
In Virginia, beer and wine can be purchased at almost any grocery store or gas station. These retailers compete by offering different price points, longer opening hours, and an emphasis on customer service. Spirits, on the other hand, are exclusively sold at state-run Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores. Virginia has implemented a monopoly system, where the government directly controls the sale and distribution of spirits through its own stores. This system allows the state to closely monitor and regulate the sale of these beverages, ensuring compliance with the law and promoting responsible consumption.
The Virginia ABC offers a wide selection of spirits, with over 4,000 products available. They also offer online ordering and curbside pickup for added convenience. The ABC stores are known for their seasonal promotions and discounts, such as their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, as well as their signature holiday cocktails. Additionally, the ABC provides resources and training to start conversations about alcohol consumption with teens, promoting responsible drinking.
The hours for alcohol sales in Virginia are worth noting. On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, are permitted to sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. daily. Off-premise or retail locations, including grocery stores and gas stations, are allowed to sell beer and wine during the same hours. However, there are some exceptions to these hours. For example, restaurants and clubs that sell both food and drinks can sell alcohol until midnight. Additionally, localities that have authorized the sale of mixed beverages may have different hours for on-premises and off-premises sales.
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Alcohol can be purchased from 6 am to midnight
Alcohol laws vary from state to state, and Virginia is one of 17 control states, which means the state government regulates how spirits are sold. Alcohol can be purchased from 6 am to midnight in Virginia.
For those looking to purchase beer or wine, you can head to your nearest grocery store, gas station, or convenience store. These retailers are licensed to sell alcohol and compete for business by offering different price points, longer operating hours, and a greater emphasis on customer service.
If you're looking to purchase spirits, you'll need to find a state-owned and operated liquor store. These stores are controlled by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) and are typically open from 7 am to 2 pm, although hours may vary. Many ABC stores are closed on Sundays, and those that are open tend to close at 6 pm.
It's important to note that alcohol sales are restricted from midnight to 6 am in Virginia. This applies to both on-premises and off-premises sales, with some exceptions. For example, club licensees are permitted to sell alcohol at any time, and licensees in the City of Danville are prohibited from selling wine and beer for off-premises consumption between 1 am and 6 am.
Virginia has strict laws surrounding alcohol consumption and sales, and it's important to abide by these regulations to avoid penalties and promote safe drinking practices.
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On-premises establishments can serve alcohol from 6 am to 2 am
In Virginia, on-premises establishments with the relevant licenses can serve alcohol from 6 am to 2 am every day. This includes restaurants, clubs, and bars. However, it's important to note that Virginia law prohibits bars that only serve alcohol. Establishments serving alcohol must also meet minimum food sales requirements to be classified as restaurants.
The specific hours for serving alcohol on-premises vary depending on the type of beverage and the locality. For localities where the sale of mixed beverages has been authorized, on-premises sale and consumption are restricted between 2 am and 6 am. During this time, licensees are not permitted to sell or allow the consumption of wine, beer, or mixed drinks on their premises.
For all other localities, the restricted hours for on-premises sales and consumption are from 12 am to 6 am. However, on New Year's Eve, licensees are granted an additional hour for on-premises privileges.
There are some exceptions to these restricted hours. Club licensees, for example, are not subject to any time restrictions. Additionally, licensees in the City of Danville are specifically prohibited from selling wine and beer for off-premises consumption between 1 am and 6 am.
It's worth noting that Virginia has strict laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption. For instance, it is illegal to sell pitchers of mixed beverages, and happy hours are only permitted between 9 pm and 2 am. The legal drinking age in Virginia is 21, and there are penalties for providing alcohol to minors, including fines and jail time.
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You must be 21 to buy and consume alcohol
In Virginia, you must be aged 21 or over to buy and consume alcohol. This is the same legal drinking age as in all other U.S. states.
Virginia is one of 17 control states, which means the state government regulates how spirits are sold. Beer and wine can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores, while spirits are only available from state-owned and operated liquor stores.
The hours during which alcohol can be sold vary depending on the type of alcohol and the day of the week. Beer and wine can be sold from 6 am to midnight every day. Spirits can be sold from 7 am to 2 pm every day. On-premises establishments, such as restaurants and clubs that sell food and drinks, can serve alcohol from 6 am to 2 am.
There are some exceptions to these hours. Club licensees have no restrictions on when they can sell alcohol. In Danville, the sale of wine and beer for off-premises consumption is prohibited between 1 am and 6 am. On New Year's Eve, licensees have an additional hour to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption.
It is important to note that it is illegal to drink alcohol in public in Virginia. Alcohol can only be consumed on private property.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer can be purchased from 6 am to midnight every day of the week.
You must be 21 or older to purchase beer in Virginia.
Beer can be purchased at restaurants, clubs, retail locations, grocery stores, and gas stations.