Lucy Palmer
Businesses in Virginia have a variety of options when it comes to purchasing beer. As one of the nation's prominent control states, Virginia closely regulates alcohol sales, including those of beer. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) manages a network of over 400 retail outlets, and only allows the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores. This means that businesses will need to buy beer from dedicated alcohol retailers, rather than supermarkets. Gas stations are also licensed to sell beer, but they cannot sell hard liquor, which is reserved for state-run ABC stores.
What You'll Learn
Grocery stores and gas stations
The state-run ABC stores are usually open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. However, grocery stores and gas stations often have longer opening hours, with many selling alcohol from 6 am to midnight daily. Some retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and CVS, also sell alcohol within these hours, following Virginia state laws.
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) has exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations, managing a network of over 400 retail outlets. This means that there is likely to be an ABC store within a 10-minute drive of most Virginia residents.
Businesses looking to buy beer in Virginia can also visit the Virginia Beer Company, which has a taproom and beer garden. They produce a diverse series of flagship beers and a constantly changing mix of creative and experimental small-batch beers.
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State-run ABC stores
Virginia is one of 17 control states in the US, meaning the state government regulates how spirits are sold. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) has exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations, managing over 400 retail outlets.
The Virginia ABC's role as a retailer, wholesaler, and regulator allows it to maintain remarkable market coverage, with approximately 93% of Virginia residents living within a 10-minute drive of an ABC store. The revenue from alcohol sales goes into a general fund, which is used to support the state and improve communities. For example, some of the money goes towards alcohol education, training for employees who handle alcohol, and grant funding for various programs and initiatives at Virginia colleges and universities.
The Virginia ABC transitioned from a traditional government agency to an independent political subdivision in 2018, enhancing its operational flexibility and efficiency in serving its triple role. This unique position as both a wholesaler and retailer for spirits allows the Virginia ABC to control the state's spirits market and protect public safety while also supporting the state's economy.
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Online
Businesses can also buy beer online in Virginia. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) offers over 4,000 products online, including beer, which can be ordered and then picked up at the ABC store of the customer's choice.
Additionally, out-of-state breweries may obtain a Shipper's License to ship beer directly to Virginia consumers. This license costs $230 annually with a $195 initial application fee. Shipping is limited to two cases of beer per month per consumer, and the products must be for personal consumption and not for resale.
Businesses can also order beer online from Total Wine & More, which offers a wide range of beer options, including IPA, cider, and stout.
The Virginia Beer Company also offers an online store where customers can purchase beer and merchandise.
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Walmart, Target, and CVS
In Virginia, Walmart, Target, and CVS are permitted to sell beer and wine, following the same regulations as other retailers. This means they can sell alcohol from 6 am to 12 am, Monday to Sunday.
Walmart and Target, as large retailers, are able to offer beer and wine at a range of price points, with convenient hours of operation, and a focus on customer service. CVS, as a pharmacy business, also sells beer and wine to meet customer demand and provide greater convenience. CVS sells beer, wine, and spirits in-store, but not online. Beer is the most popular form of alcohol at CVS due to multiple licensing regulations in the United States. CVS sells a variety of beer brands, including Castelain Blond, Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Oak Aged, and Kona Castaway IPA.
To purchase alcohol at Walmart, Target, or CVS, you must be of legal drinking age, which in Virginia is 21 years old.
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Breweries
Virginia is a control state, meaning that the state government regulates how alcohol, especially spirits, is sold. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) maintains exclusive control over the state's spirits retail and wholesale operations. This means that spirits can only be purchased at ABC stores.
However, beer and wine can be sold directly to consumers, and breweries can obtain a Shipper's License to ship directly to Virginia consumers. This license costs $230 annually with a $195 initial application fee. There is a limit of two cases of wine or beer per month per consumer, and the products must be for personal consumption and not for resale.
Out-of-state breweries may obtain a Delivery Permit for authorized brands, and Virginia retailers may deliver beer directly to consumers with appropriate off-premise privileges. Deliveries must be made by approved personnel with proper training, common carriers who verify IDs, or third-party delivery services.
Businesses looking to purchase beer in Virginia can do so at grocery stores, gas stations, Walmart, Target, and CVS, which all follow the same regulations as other retailers. Additionally, The Virginia Beer Company in Williamsburg offers a taproom and beer garden with a diverse selection of beers, including hazy India Pale Ales, barrel-fermented Saisons, barrel-aged beers, and craft lagers.
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Frequently asked questions
Businesses can buy beer from wholesalers, distributors, and directly from breweries. Some examples of beer distributors in Virginia are Premium Distributors of Virginia, Virginia Eagle Distributing, and Blue Ridge Beverage.
No, beer can only be purchased from wholesalers, distributors, and breweries. Grocery stores are considered on-premise retailers.
To sell beer in Virginia, businesses must have the appropriate licenses and permits. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) manages the state's alcohol laws and regulations. Businesses must also follow the state's alcohol sales hours, which are typically between 6 AM and 12 AM for on-premise retailers and between 6 AM and 2 AM for businesses with mixed liquor licenses, like restaurants and clubs.
Yes, out-of-state breweries can obtain a Shipper's License to ship beer directly to Virginia consumers. The license costs $230 annually with a $195 initial application fee, and shipping is limited to two cases of beer per month per consumer.
Yes, businesses can sell beer for off-premise consumption. However, only beer and wine can be sold for off-premise consumption, while hard liquor can only be sold for on-premise consumption at establishments with mixed liquor licenses.
