Beatrix Montes
If you're looking to buy beer in Virginia, there are a few things you should know about the state's liquor laws. Virginia is one of several liquor control states, which means the state government regulates how alcohol, especially distilled spirits, are sold. After the prohibition era, Virginia made it legal for certain retailers to sell beer and wine but restricted the sale of spirits to state-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores.
You can buy beer at these state-run ABC stores and other retailers with the proper licensing, including grocery stores and gas stations. There is no limit on how much beer you can buy at one time, and retailers are free to sell you as much as you'd like. Virginia also has some of the least restrictive laws for alcohol sales on Sundays. All retailers with the proper license are allowed to sell beer between 6 am and 2 am on Sundays, and bars and restaurants can sell you beer until 2 am.
Additionally, alcohol delivery is legal in Virginia, and you can have up to four cases of beer delivered to your home at one time. You can also have alcohol shipped to you in Virginia, but the retailer must have a Virginia ABC shipper's license, and there are limits on the quantity that can be shipped.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy beer | State-run ABC stores, grocery stores, gas stations, Walmart, Giant, Wawa |
| Beer purchase restrictions | No limit on how much beer can be purchased at one time |
| Beer sale timings | 6am-2am, 7 days a week |
| Beer home delivery limit | 4 cases of beer |
What You'll Learn
Beer at grocery stores
After the prohibition era, Virginia made it legal for retailers to sell low-alcohol content beverages, such as beer, at grocery stores and other retailers, but restricted the sale of spirits to state-run ABC stores. This is because Virginia is a liquor control state, which means that it places more restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol than other states.
Grocery stores are allowed to sell beer, wine, and malt beverages in Virginia. They are not, however, permitted to sell liquor. If you want to buy a six-pack of your favourite craft beer and a bottle of spirits, you'll need to go to two different shops in this state.
There is no limit on how much beer or wine you can buy at once in Virginia. Retailers are free to sell you as much as you like, so if you go into a grocery store with the intention of buying several 24-packs for a party, you are free to do so.
Grocery stores are allowed to sell beer and wine between the hours of 6 am and 2 am, seven days a week, including holidays such as Christmas Day.
Buying beer elsewhere in Virginia
Beer can also be purchased at gas stations in Virginia. Like grocery stores, gas stations are allowed to sell beer and wine but not liquor.
You can also buy beer online and have it shipped to you in Virginia. The retailer must have a Virginia ABC shipper's license, and they are limited in terms of quantity. You can have up to two cases of wine or two cases of beer shipped to you per month. These shipments must be for personal consumption and cannot be resold.
Alcohol delivery is also legal in Virginia, though there are restrictions. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcohol. There are limitations on how much you can have delivered to you at one time: you can only have four cases of beer or four cases of wine delivered to your home at one time.
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Beer at gas stations
Beer is widely available at gas stations in Virginia. After the prohibition era, the state of Virginia legalised the sale of beer and wine at grocery stores and other retailers, but spirits were restricted to state-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores. This is because Virginia is a liquor control state, meaning it places more restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol than other states.
Virginia has a three-tier system for selling alcohol, separating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. This system was implemented to prevent the return of saloons and to control the sale of intoxicating drinks to ensure temperance.
Beer and wine can be purchased from gas stations in Virginia, but hard liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores. These ABC stores are commercial operations, usually located in strip malls, and are the only legal places for selling hard liquor by the bottle.
There are no limits on how much beer or wine you can buy at one time from a gas station in Virginia. Retailers are free to sell as much as you like, so stocking up for a party is not a problem.
Virginia has some of the least restrictive laws for the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Gas stations are allowed to sell beer between 6 am and 2 am on Sundays, and there is no limit on how much you can buy.
The sale of alcohol in Virginia is regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, which aims to generate revenue and promote public safety through the responsible sale and regulation of alcoholic beverages.
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Sunday beer sales
Virginia has some of the most relaxed laws for Sunday beer sales in the US. Beer can be purchased from retailers with the proper licensing from 6 am to 2 am on Sundays. This includes grocery stores and gas stations, which can sell beer and wine but not spirits.
Bars and restaurants are allowed to serve beer until even later, with a cut-off time of 2 am.
The only exceptions to this rule are a few ABC stores that have reduced Sunday hours from 1 pm to 6 pm. However, these reduced hours are not consistently enforced and may change depending on public safety concerns.
These relaxed Sunday sales laws are in contrast to many other states, where alcohol sales are more restricted on Sundays.
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Alcohol delivery
Virginia ABC offers same-day delivery for customers who live within five miles of participating stores. Orders must be placed at least two hours before the store closes. Over 280 stores across Virginia currently offer this service.
There is a $10 minimum order for deliveries, and a maximum order limit of 12 bottles. Delivery fees depend on whether the order is same-day or next-day delivery. For same-day delivery, there is a $6.99 fee for the first three miles and $1.25 per mile after that. For next-day delivery, there is a flat fee of $9.99 per container, plus $2.50 per bottle.
Other companies that deliver alcohol in Virginia include Drizly and Minibar Delivery.
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Buying beer online
In Virginia, you can buy beer at state-run ABC stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and some retailers with the proper licensing. However, if you prefer to buy your beer online, there are a few things you should know.
Firstly, it is important to note that Virginia has specific laws and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. These laws may impact your ability to purchase beer online and have it shipped to you within the state. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these laws before placing an order.
Secondly, when buying beer online, ensure that the retailer has a Virginia ABC shipper's license. This is a crucial requirement for shipping alcohol to Virginia. Additionally, there are limits to the quantity of beer that can be shipped to you. You can have up to two cases of beer shipped per month for personal consumption.
When it comes to online retailers that offer beer delivery in Virginia, you have a few options. Some popular choices include Drizly, Minibar, and Saucey. These services offer a wide selection of beer and often provide same-day delivery. Simply download their apps or visit their websites to place your order.
It is worth noting that some online retailers may have restrictions on the amount of beer you can order at once, and these limits may differ from the state-mandated quantity. Additionally, when ordering online, you will need to provide proof that you are of legal drinking age, usually by submitting a picture of your ID.
Lastly, remember to drink responsibly and follow the safe consumption guidelines provided by the retailers and the state of Virginia.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, grocery stores are allowed to sell beer in Virginia. They can also sell wine and malt beverages, but not liquor.
Yes, gas stations are one type of retailer that is allowed to sell beer and wine, but not liquor.
Yes, Virginia has some of the least restrictive laws for the sale of alcohol on Sundays. All retailers with the proper license are allowed to sell beer between 6 am and 2 am on Sundays. Bars and restaurants can sell alcohol until 2 am.
For beer and wine, you can purchase them from retailers between 6 am and 2 am, 7 days a week, including holidays. For liquor, you can buy it from state-run ABC stores between 6 am and midnight, every day except for national holidays.
