Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority

On October 3, 1933, in a special election, Virginia voted 99,640 to 58,518 to ratify the 21st amendment and 100,445 to 57,873 to devise a plan of liquor control to supersede state Prohibition.

In 1936, the General Assembly granted full police powers to Virginia ABC's designated agents to assist local and federal officials enforce laws against bootlegging and moonshining.

In 1991, a federal judge declared the ABC's ban on gay bars unconstitutional in the case French Quarter Cafe v. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

In addition, the agency provides thousands of dollars in grant funding to enhance community coalitions and programs at Virginia colleges and universities.

Virginia ABC develops and implements statewide alcohol education and prevention programming that is based on current data and trends.

Staff in those areas serve as liaisons to breweries, distilleries and wineries; inform and interact with manufacturers, importers and distributors; collect Virginia state taxes; process invoices and renewals; conduct alcohol-related training about state ABC laws; and maintain records for businesses with ABC licenses and individuals seeking licenses related to alcohol sale and consumption at private special events.

Virginia ABC administrative law judges travel throughout the state to conduct hearings on issues brought to the agency for resolution.

Virginia ABC licenses all entities which sell or distribute alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth, including providing permits for one-time events.