Alcohol sales in Virginia are subject to a variety of regulations. The state controls the sale of hard liquor, with only wine and beer available for purchase at grocery stores and gas stations. Virginia is one of 17 control states, meaning the government regulates how distilled spirits are sold. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is in charge of liquor sales and uses the revenue generated to fund various initiatives, including alcohol education and community development. While alcohol can be purchased on Sundays, there are restricted hours in place. On-premise retailers with mixed liquor licenses, such as restaurants, can sell alcohol daily from 6 am to 2 am, while off-premise retailers like grocery stores and gas stations can sell from 6 am to 12 am. Additionally, retailers located within 500 feet of a church are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays before noon. These laws, although evolving, aim to ensure the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol in the state.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Day of the week | Sunday |
Time | 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. |
Location | On-premise and off-premise locations |
Type of alcohol | Beer |
Exceptions | Retailers within 500 feet of a church cannot sell alcohol before noon |
What You'll Learn
Beer can be purchased from 6 am to 12 am on Sundays
In Virginia, beer can be purchased from 6 am to 12 am on Sundays. This applies to both on- and off-premise locations.
On-premise locations include restaurants, clubs, and bars, while off-premise locations include grocery stores, gas stations, and retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS.
The sale of beer is restricted between the hours of 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.
It's important to note that these hours may vary slightly depending on the locality. For example, in the City of Danville, the sale of wine and beer for off-premises consumption is prohibited between 1 am and 6 am.
Additionally, Virginia has what are known as "Blue Laws," which are a holdover from the state's religious past. While many of these laws have been repealed, some remain in place, including a few dry counties.
Virginia is one of 17 control states, which means the state government regulates how distilled spirits are sold. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is the state agency responsible for overseeing alcohol sales and enforcing compliance with state laws and regulations.
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Alcohol sales are prohibited from 12 am to 6 am
For on-premises sales, the law prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol during these hours. This means that patrons cannot purchase or consume alcohol within the licensed premises of these establishments. This restriction aims to regulate alcohol consumption and promote responsible drinking.
For off-premises sales, the restriction applies to the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption. This means that retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol to customers during the specified time frame. This includes stores, gas stations, and other similar businesses.
However, it's important to note that there are exceptions to these restrictions. Club licensees, for example, are not subject to any time restrictions and can sell alcohol at all times. Additionally, licensees in certain localities, such as those where the sale of mixed beverages is authorized, may have different hours for on-premises and off-premises sales.
The laws regarding alcohol sales in Virginia have evolved over time, and there was a time when alcohol sales were more restricted. In the past, some counties in Virginia were considered "dry," meaning they prohibited alcohol sales altogether. Additionally, there was a time when alcohol sales were not allowed on Sundays, and residents had to stock up on Saturdays.
Today, Virginia has more relaxed laws, and alcohol can be purchased on Sundays. However, the sale of alcohol is still prohibited during specific hours, and retailers located within 500 feet of a church are not allowed to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.
The state has implemented these laws to balance the interests of businesses and consumers while also promoting responsible drinking and ensuring public safety. The revenue generated from alcohol sales is used to support various initiatives, including alcohol education, prevention, and community development programs.
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You can buy beer at grocery stores, gas stations, and Walmart
In Virginia, you can buy beer at grocery stores, gas stations, and Walmart. However, there are specific times when you can purchase beer at these locations.
On Sundays, the sale of beer is restricted between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. This applies to all days of the week, and retailers must abide by these hours. Grocery stores, gas stations, and Walmart are considered off-premise alcohol retailers, and they are permitted to sell beer from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.
If you're looking to purchase beer outside of these hours, you may be out of luck. However, there are some exceptions to the restricted hours. Club licensees, for example, have no restrictions on when they can sell beer. Additionally, licensees in the City of Danville are prohibited from selling beer for off-premises consumption between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.
It's important to note that Virginia has strict laws regarding alcohol sales. The state closely regulates alcohol sales and maintains control over hard liquor sales through its ABC stores. While grocery stores, gas stations, and Walmart can sell beer, they are not allowed to sell hard liquor. Only state-run ABC stores are authorised to sell distilled spirits.
So, if you're planning to buy beer in Virginia on a Sunday, make sure to do so between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. at grocery stores, gas stations, or Walmart. These retailers offer convenient options for purchasing beer, but keep in mind that their hours may vary, and they are subject to the state's alcohol sales regulations.
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Only state-run ABC stores sell hard liquor
Virginia is one of 17 control states, which means that the state government regulates how spirits are sold. Only state-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores sell hard liquor in Virginia.
After the end of Prohibition, 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. Meanwhile, the General Assembly created the Virginia ABC and empowered it with exclusive control over selling liquor directly to consumers.
Gas stations, grocery stores, and other retailers are allowed to sell beer and wine, but not hard liquor, which is only sold at state-run ABC stores.
The Virginia ABC maintains exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations, managing a network of over 400 retail outlets strategically positioned throughout the Commonwealth. This extensive retail presence ensures remarkable market coverage, with approximately 93% of Virginia residents living within a 10-minute drive of an ABC store.
The state-run ABC stores in Virginia that sell hard liquor are generally open from 10 am to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
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You can buy beer and wine at gas stations
In Virginia, you can buy beer and wine at gas stations. This is very convenient for customers, as it means they can purchase alcohol while on the go, without having to make a separate trip to a liquor store. Gas stations are allowed to sell beer and wine, but not hard liquor or spirits, which are only available at state-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores.
The sale of alcohol in Virginia is restricted 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. However, outside of these restricted hours, gas stations are able to sell beer and wine.
The state has specific laws regarding the sale of alcohol, which are enforced by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (also known as the Virginia ABC). This body also controls the sale of spirits in the state, and their stores are usually open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
The Virginia ABC has a large retail presence, with around 93% of Virginia residents living within a 10-minute drive of one of their stores. The revenue from alcohol sales in Virginia is put into a general fund, with some of the money going towards alcohol education, employee training, and grants for community programs and universities.
In addition to gas stations, customers in Virginia can also purchase beer and wine from grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and CVS. These retailers are permitted to sell alcohol from 6 am to 12 am, the same hours as gas stations.
So, if you're looking to buy beer or wine in Virginia, you have plenty of options, including the convenience of your local gas station. Just remember to plan your purchases around the restricted hours on Sundays.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy beer from 6 am to 12 am on Sundays.
You can buy beer from grocery stores, gas stations, Walmart, Target, CVS, and similar retailers.
Yes, the state restricts the sale of alcohol between 12 am and 6 am on Sundays, and retailers located within 500 feet of a church cannot sell alcohol before noon on Sundays.
No, the same timings apply from Monday to Saturday as well.
No, bars are illegal in Virginia. You can only buy beer from restaurants or stores.