SUBTITLE I. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT.
Chapter 1. Definitions and General Provisions.
Sec.
§ 4.1-100. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Definitions.
As used in this title unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Alcohol" means the product known as ethyl or grain alcohol obtained by distillation of any fermented liquor, rectified either once or more often, whatever the origin, and shall include synthetic ethyl alcohol, but shall not include methyl alcohol and alcohol completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the government of the United States.
"Alcohol vaporizing device" means any device, machine, or process that mixes any alcoholic beverages with pure oxygen or other gas to produce a vaporized product for the purpose of consumption by inhalation.
"Alcoholic beverages" includes alcohol, spirits, wine, and beer, and any one or more of such varieties containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, including mixed alcoholic beverages, and every liquid or solid, powder or crystal, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer and capable of being consumed by a human being. Any liquid or solid containing more than one of the four varieties shall be considered as belonging to that variety which has the higher percentage of alcohol, however obtained, according to the order in which they are set forth in this definition; except that beer may be manufactured to include flavoring materials and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol, as long as no more than 49 percent of the overall alcohol content of the finished product is derived from the addition of flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol for products with an alcohol content of no more than six percent by volume; or, in the case of products with an alcohol content of more than six percent by volume, as long as no more than one and one-half percent of the volume of the finished product consists of alcohol derived from added flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol.
"Art instruction studio" means any commercial establishment that provides to its customers all required supplies and step-by-step instruction in creating a painting or other work of art during a studio instructional session.
"Arts venue" means a commercial or nonprofit establishment that is open to the public and in which works of art are sold or displayed.
"Authority" means the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority created pursuant to this title.
"Barrel" means any container or vessel having a capacity of more than 43 ounces.
"Bed and breakfast establishment" means any establishment (i) having no more than 15 bedrooms; (ii) offering to the public, for compensation, transitory lodging or sleeping accommodations; and (iii) offering at least one meal per day, which may but need not be breakfast, to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided. For purposes of the licensing requirements of this title, "bed and breakfast establishment" includes any property offered to the public for short-term rental, as that term is defined in § 15.2-983 , other than a hotel as defined in this section, regardless of whether a meal is offered to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided.
"Beer" means any alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of an infusion or decoction of barley, malt, and hops or of any similar products in drinkable water and containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume.
"Bespoke clothier establishment" means a permanent retail establishment that offers, by appointment only, custom made apparel and that offers a membership program to customers. Such establishment shall be a permanent structure where measurements and fittings are performed on-site but apparel is produced offsite and delivered directly to the customer. Such establishment shall have facilities to properly secure any stock of alcoholic beverages.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
"Bottle" means any vessel intended to contain liquids and having a capacity of not more than 43 ounces.
"Canal boat operator" means any nonprofit organization that operates tourism-oriented canal boats for recreational purposes on waterways declared nonnavigable by the United States Congress pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 59ii.
"Club" means any private nonprofit corporation or association which is the owner, lessee, or occupant of an establishment operated solely for a national, social, patriotic, political, athletic, or other like purpose, but not for pecuniary gain, the advantages of which belong to all of the members. It also means the establishment so operated. A corporation or association shall not lose its status as a club because of the conduct of charitable gaming conducted pursuant to Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2 in which nonmembers participate frequently or in large numbers, provided that no alcoholic beverages are served or consumed in the room where such charitable gaming is being conducted while such gaming is being conducted and that no alcoholic beverages are made available upon the premises to any person who is neither a member nor a bona fide guest of a member.
Any such corporation or association which has been declared exempt from federal and state income taxes as one which is not organized and operated for pecuniary gain or profit shall be deemed a nonprofit corporation or association.
"Commercial lifestyle center" means a mixed-use commercial development covering a minimum of 10 acres of land and having at least 100,000 square feet of retail space featuring national specialty chain stores and a combination of dining, entertainment, office, residential, or hotel establishments located in a physically integrated outdoor setting that is pedestrian friendly and that is governed by a commercial owners' association that is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of the common areas thereof.
"Container" means any barrel, bottle, carton, keg, vessel or other receptacle used for holding alcoholic beverages.
"Contract winemaking facility" means the premises of a licensed winery or farm winery that obtains grapes, fruits, and other agricultural products from a person holding a farm winery license and crushes, processes, ferments, bottles, or provides any combination of such services pursuant to an agreement with the farm winery licensee. For all purposes of this title, wine produced by a contract winemaking facility for a farm winery shall be considered to be wine owned and produced by the farm winery that supplied the grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products used in the production of the wine. The contract winemaking facility shall have no right to sell the wine so produced, unless the terms of payment have not been fulfilled in accordance with the contract. The contract winemaking facility may charge the farm winery for its services.
"Convenience grocery store" means an establishment which (i) has an enclosed room in a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and (ii) maintains an inventory of edible items intended for human consumption consisting of a variety of such items of the types normally sold in grocery stores.
"Coworking establishment" means a facility that has at least 100 members, a majority of whom are 21 years of age or older, to whom it offers shared office space and related amenities, including desks, conference rooms, Internet access, printers, copiers, telephones, and fax machines.
"Culinary lodging resort" means a facility (i) having not less than 13 overnight guest rooms in a building that has at least 20,000 square feet of indoor floor space; (ii) located on a farm in the Commonwealth with at least 1,000 acres of land zoned agricultural; (iii) equipped with a full-service kitchen; and (iv) offering to the public, for compensation, at least one meal per day, lodging, and recreational and educational activities related to farming, livestock, and other rural activities.
"Day spa" means any commercial establishment that offers to the public both massage therapy, performed by persons licensed in accordance with § 54.1-3029 , and barbering or cosmetology services performed by persons licensed in accordance with Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1.
"Designated area" means a room or area approved by the Board for on-premises licensees.
"Dining area" means a public room or area in which meals are regularly served.
"Establishment" means any place where alcoholic beverages of one or more varieties are lawfully manufactured, sold, or used.
"Farm winery" means (i) an establishment (a) located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (b) located in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area or agreements for purchasing grapes or other fruits from agricultural growers within the Commonwealth, and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (ii) an accredited public or private institution of higher education, provided that (a) no wine manufactured by the institution shall be sold, (b) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be used solely for research and educational purposes, (c) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be stored on the premises of such farm winery that shall be separate and apart from all other facilities of the institution, and (d) such farm winery is operated in strict conformance with the requirements of this clause (ii) and Board regulations. As used in this definition, the terms "owner" and "lessee" shall include a cooperative formed by an association of individuals for the purpose of manufacturing wine. In the event that such cooperative is licensed as a farm winery, the term "farm" as used in this definition includes all of the land owned or leased by the individual members of the cooperative as long as such land is located in the Commonwealth. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" means (1) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (2) land otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery use. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in the definition of "land zoned agricultural" shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
"Gift shop" means any bona fide retail store selling, predominantly, gifts, books, souvenirs, specialty items relating to history, original and handmade arts and products, collectibles, crafts, and floral arrangements, which is open to the public on a regular basis. Such shop shall be a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and which has facilities to properly secure any stock of wine or beer. Such shop may be located (i) on the premises or grounds of a government registered national, state or local historic building or site or (ii) within the premises of a museum. The Board shall consider the purpose, characteristics, nature, and operation of the shop in determining whether it shall be considered a gift shop.
"Gourmet brewing shop" means an establishment which sells to persons to whom wine or beer may lawfully be sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and rents to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting and bottling such wine or beer.
"Gourmet shop" means an establishment provided with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, substantial amounts of domestic and imported wines and beers of various types and sizes and related products such as cheeses and gourmet foods are habitually furnished to persons.
"Government store" means a store established by the Authority for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
"Historic cinema house" means a nonprofit establishment exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that was built prior to 1970 and that exists for the primary purpose of showing motion pictures to the public.
"Hotel" means any duly licensed establishment, provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, food and lodging are habitually furnished to persons, and which has four or more bedrooms. It shall also mean the person who operates such hotel.
"Interdicted person" means a person to whom the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by order pursuant to this title.
"Internet beer retailer" means a person who owns or operates an establishment with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, Internet or telephone orders are taken and shipped directly to consumers and which establishment is not a retail store open to the public.
"Internet wine retailer" means a person who owns or operates an establishment with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, internet or telephone orders are taken and shipped directly to consumers and which establishment is not a retail store open to the public.
"Intoxicated" means a condition in which a person has drunk enough alcoholic beverages to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.
"Licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority.
"Licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority.
"Liqueur" means any of a class of highly flavored alcoholic beverages that do not exceed an alcohol content of 25 percent by volume.
"Low alcohol beverage cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, but not more than seven and one-half percent alcohol by volume, and consisting of spirits mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials; it may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, preservatives or other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Low alcohol beverage coolers shall be treated as wine for all purposes of this title, except that low alcohol beverage coolers may be manufactured by a licensed distiller or a distiller located outside the Commonwealth.
"Meal-assembly kitchen" means any commercial establishment that offers its customers, for off-premises consumption, ingredients for the preparation of meals and entrees in professional kitchen facilities located at the establishment.
"Meals" means, for a mixed beverage license, an assortment of foods commonly ordered in bona fide, full-service restaurants as principal meals of the day. Such restaurants shall include establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Member of a bespoke clothier establishment" means a person who maintains a membership in the bespoke clothier establishment for a period of not less than one month by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules of the bespoke clothier establishment. The minimum membership fee shall be not less than $25 for any term of membership.
"Member of a club" means (i) a person who maintains his membership in the club by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules and regulations thereof or (ii) a person who is a member of a bona fide auxiliary, local chapter, or squadron composed of direct lineal descendants of a bona fide member, whether alive or deceased, of a national or international organization to which an individual lodge holding a club license is an authorized member in the same locality. It shall also mean a lifetime member whose financial contribution is not less than 10 times the annual dues of resident members of the club, the full amount of such contribution being paid in advance in a lump sum.
"Member of a coworking establishment" means a person who maintains a membership in the coworking establishment for a period of not less than one month by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules of the coworking establishment. "Member of a coworking establishment" does not include an employee or any person with an ownership interest in the coworking establishment.
"Mixed beverage" or "mixed alcoholic beverage" means a drink composed in whole or in part of spirits.
"Mixer" means any prepackaged ingredients containing beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives which are not commonly consumed unless combined with alcoholic beverages, whether or not such ingredients contain alcohol. Such specialty beverage product shall be manufactured or distributed by a Virginia corporation.
"Municipal golf course" means any golf course that is owned by any town incorporated in 1849 and which is the county seat of Smyth County.
"Place or premises" means the real estate, together with any buildings or other improvements thereon, designated in the application for a license as the place at which the manufacture, bottling, distribution, use or sale of alcoholic beverages shall be performed, except that portion of any such building or other improvement actually and exclusively used as a private residence.
"Principal stockholder" means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the equity ownership of any person that is a licensee of the Authority, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such equity ownership. "Principal stockholder" does not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Authority.
"Public place" means any place, building, or conveyance to which the public has, or is permitted to have, access, including restaurants, soda fountains, hotel dining areas, lobbies and corridors of hotels, and any park, place of public resort or amusement, highway, street, lane, or sidewalk adjoining any highway, street, or lane.
"Public place" does not include (i) hotel or restaurant dining areas or ballrooms while in use for private meetings or private parties limited in attendance to members and guests of a particular group, association or organization; (ii) restaurants licensed by the Authority in office buildings or industrial or similar facilities while such restaurant is closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; (iii) offices, office buildings or industrial facilities while closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; or (iv) private recreational or chartered boats which are not licensed by the Board and on which alcoholic beverages are not sold.
"Residence" means any building or part of a building or structure where a person resides, but does not include any part of a building which is not actually and exclusively used as a private residence, nor any part of a hotel or club other than a private guest room thereof.
"Resort complex" means a facility (i) with a hotel owning year-round sports and recreational facilities located contiguously on the same property; (ii) owned by a nonstock, nonprofit, taxable corporation with voluntary membership which, as its primary function, makes available golf, ski, and other recreational facilities both to its members and the general public; or (iii) operated by a corporation that operates as a management company which, as its primary function, makes available (a) vacation accommodations, guest rooms, or dwelling units and (b) golf, ski, and other recreational facilities to members of the managed entities and the general public. The hotel or corporation shall have or manage a minimum of 140 private guest rooms or dwelling units contained on not less than 50 acres, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises; if the guest rooms or dwelling units are located on property that is not contiguous to the licensed premises, such guest rooms and dwelling units shall be located within the same locality. The Authority may consider the purpose, characteristics, and operation of the applicant establishment in determining whether it shall be considered as a resort complex. All other pertinent qualifications established by the Board for a hotel operation shall be observed by such licensee.
"Restaurant" means, for a beer, or wine and beer license or a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, any establishment provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, meals or other foods prepared on the premises are regularly sold.
"Restaurant" means, for a mixed beverage license other than a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, an established place of business (i) where meals with substantial entrees are regularly sold and (ii) which has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking, preparing, and serving such meals for consumption at tables in dining areas on the premises, and includes establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Sale" and "sell" includes soliciting or receiving an order for; keeping, offering or exposing for sale; peddling, exchanging or bartering; or delivering otherwise than gratuitously, by any means, alcoholic beverages.
"Sangria" means a drink consisting of red or white wine mixed with some combination of sweeteners, fruit, fruit juice, soda, or soda water that may also be mixed with brandy, triple sec, or other similar spirits.
"Special agent" means an employee of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority whom the Board has designated as a law-enforcement officer pursuant to § 4.1-105 .
"Special event" means an event sponsored by a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association and conducted for an athletic, charitable, civic, educational, political, or religious purpose.
"Spirits" means any beverage that contains alcohol obtained by distillation mixed with drinkable water and other substances, in solution, and includes, among other things, brandy, rum, whiskey, and gin, or any one or more of the last four named ingredients, but shall not include any such liquors completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the United States government.
"Wine" means any alcoholic beverage, including cider, obtained by the fermentation of the natural sugar content of fruits or other agricultural products containing (i) sugar, including honey and milk, either with or without additional sugar; (ii) one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; and (iii) no product of distillation. "Wine" includes any wine to which wine spirits have been added, as provided in the Internal Revenue Code, to make products commonly known as "fortified wine" which do not exceed an alcohol content of 21 percent by volume.
"Wine cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, and not more than three and two-tenths percent of alcohol by weight or four percent by volume consisting of wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives and shall include other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Wine coolers and similar fermented fruit juice beverages shall be treated as wine for all purposes except for taxation under § 4.1-236 .
"With or without meals" means the selling and serving of alcoholic beverages by retail licensees for on-premises consumption whether or not accompanied by food so long as the total food-beverage ratio required by § 4.1-210 , or the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulation, is met by such retail licensee.
(Code 1950, §§ 4-2, 4-99; 1952, c. 496; 1954, c. 682; 1962, c. 533; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.1; 1970, cc. 302, 309; 1974, cc. 460, 497; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 64, 702; 1977, c. 280; 1980, cc. 324, 490; 1983, c. 340; 1984, c. 200; 1985, cc. 448, 457; 1988, c. 261, § 4-127; 1990, cc. 707, 932; 1991, c. 426; 1993, cc. 190, 866, 910; 1995, cc. 497, 518, 661; 1996, cc. 558, 604; 1997, cc. 124, 425; 1999, cc. 93, 171, 481; 2000, cc. 786, 1037, 1052; 2005, c. 911; 2006, c. 714; 2007, cc. 101, 295, 454, 558; 2008, cc. 198, 513, 875; 2013, cc. 107, 117; 2014, cc. 124, 510; 2015, cc. 25, 38, 54, 288, 348, 730, 735; 2016, cc. 324, 710; 2017, cc. 152, 157, 160, 492, 585, 741; 2018, c. 337; 2019, cc. 37, 178, 466, 628; 2020, cc. 755, 1009, 1010, 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-100 .
Cross references. - As to the Attorney General's limited authority to institute and conduct criminal prosecutions in the circuit courts of the Commonwealth, see § 2.2-511 .
Transition provisions. - Senate Joint Resolution 13 of the 1992 General Assembly directed the Virginia Code Commission to undertake a revision of Title 4. In January of 1993, the Commission sent to the Governor and General Assembly its report containing the proposed revision of Title 4 which was published as Senate Document No. 26 of the 1993 Session. The Commission's draft of the revision of Title 4, as amended by the General Assembly, became c. 866 of the Acts of 1993 and was effective Oct. 1, 1993.
Many of the cases cited in the notes under the various sections of this title were decided under corresponding provisions of Title 4 or prior law.
Acts 1993, c. 866, cl. 2 provides: "That whenever any of the conditions, requirements, provisions or contents of any section or chapter of Title 4 or any other title of this Code as such titles existed prior to October 1, 1993, are transferred in the same or modified form to a new section or chapter of this title or any other title of this Code and whenever any such former section or chapter is given a new number in this or any other title, all references to any such former section or chapter of Title 4 or other title appearing in this Code shall be construed to apply to the new or renumbered section or chapter containing such conditions, requirements, provisions, or content or portions thereof."
Acts 1993, c. 866, cl. 3 provides: "That the regulations of any department or agency affected by this title revision in effect on the effective date of this act [October 1, 1993] shall continue in effect to the extent that they are not in conflict with this act and shall be deemed to be regulations promulgated under this act."
Acts 1993, c. 866, cl. 4 provides: "That this recodification of Title 4 as Title 4.1 shall not be construed to require the reappointment of any officer or any member of a board, council, committee or other appointed body referred to in Title 4.1, and each such officer and members shall continue to serve the term for which appointed pursuant to the provisions of Title 4."
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, cc. 190 and 910 both amended former § 4-2, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152 the 1993 amendments by cc. 190 and 910 have been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 190, the paragraph defining "Resort complex" was added. In accordance with c. 910, "four or more bedrooms" was substituted for "ten or more bedrooms" in the first sentence of the paragraph defining "Hotel."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2016, c. 324, cl. 2 provides: "That the Board of Nursing shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act to be effective within 280 days of its enactment."
Acts 2016, c. 324, cl. 3 provides: "That any person holding a certificate to practice massage therapy prior to January 1, 2017, shall be deemed to be licensed thereafter and the Board of Nursing shall at the time of renewal provide such person a license."
Acts 2016, c. 324, cl. 4 provides: "That the Board of Nursing shall issue certificates for massage therapy until the effective date of regulations promulgated pursuant to this act."
Acts 2016, c. 710, cl. 3 provides: "That any person who, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) has a pending application with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (the Board) for a license as a farm winery or limited brewery in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia, (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery or limited brewery use, and (iii) subsequently is issued a license as a farm winery or limited brewery shall be allowed to engage in such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of this act or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery or limited brewery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery or limited brewery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016 may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery or limited brewery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016 may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery or limited brewery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 1999 amendments. - The 1999 amendment by c. 93, effective March 15, 1999, in the paragraph defining "Resort complex," inserted the clause designations (i) and (ii), inserted "or (ii) owned by a nonstock, nonprofit, taxable corporation with voluntary membership which, as its primary function, makes available golf, ski and other recreational facilities both to its members and the general public," in the second sentence, substituted "or corporation shall" for "must," substituted "140" for "150," and inserted "or dwelling units."
The 1999 amendment by cc. 171 and 481 are identical, and substituted "local chapter, or squadron composed of direct lineal descendants of a bona fide member, whether alive or deceased" for "or, local chapter" in the paragraph defining "Member of a club."
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendment by c. 786, in the paragraph defining "Farm winery," substituted "eighteen percent" for "fourteen percent" in the first sentence.
The 2000 amendments by cc. 1037 and 1052 are identical, and in the first sentence of the paragraph defining "Farm winery," inserted the clause (i) designation, substituted "eighteen" for "fourteen" in clause (i), and added clause (ii).
The 2005 amendments. - The 2005 amendment by c. 911 added the exception at the end of the second sentence of the definition of "Alcoholic beverage," added the definition of "Day spa," and made minor stylistic changes.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 714 added the paragraph defining "Alcohol vaporizing device."
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 101 added the paragraph defining "Meal-assembly kitchen."
The 2007 amendment by c. 295 added the paragraph defining "Liquer" and inserted "or a limited mixed beverage restaurant license" in the first definition of "Restaurant" and "other than a limited mixed beverage restaurant license" in the second definition of "Restaurant."
The 2007 amendment by c. 454, in the definition of "Public place," substituted "place of public resort or amusement, highway, street, lane, or sidewalk adjoining any highway, street, or lane" for "highway, street, lane, park, or place of public resort or amusement" and made a minor stylistic change.
The 2007 amendment by c. 558 added the paragraph defining "Internet wine retailer."
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 198 added the definition of "Canal boat operator."
The 2008 amendments by cc. 513 and 875 are nearly identical, and inserted the definition of "Sangria."
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendments by cc. 107 and 117 are identical, and added the paragraph defining "Contract winemaking facility."
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendment by c. 124, in the definition of "Contract winemaking facility," substituted "unless the terms of payment have not been fulfilled in accordance with the contract. The contract winemaking facility" for "but" in the last sentence.
The 2014 amendment by c. 510 added the definition of "Arts venue."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 25 and 735, effective April 15, 2015, are identical and inserted "powder or crystal" in the first sentence of the definition of "Alcoholic beverages."
The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and added the definition of "Authority"; substituted "Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority" for "Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board" in the definition of "Board"; substituted "granted" for "issued" in the definition of "Licensed"; added the definition of "Principal stockholder"; and substituted "Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority" for "Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control" in the definition of "Special agent"; and substituted "Authority" for "Board" throughout the section.
The 2015 amendments by cc. 54 and 288 are identical, and twice substituted "21 percent" for "18 percent" in the first sentence and added the second sentence in the definition "Farm winery."
The 2015 amendment by c. 348 added the definition for "Art instruction studio."
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 324 substituted "licensed in accordance with § 54.1-3029 " for "certified in accordance with § 54.1-3029 " in the definition of "Day spa."
The 2016 amendment by c. 710, in the definition for "Farm winery," inserted the clause (i) designation and redesignated the second sentence as clause (ii) of the first sentence, inserted "on land zoned agricultural" twice, added the last three sentences and made related changes.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendment by c. 152 inserted the definition for "Historic cinema house."
The 2017 amendments by cc. 157 and 492 are identical, and inserted the definition for "Commercial lifestyle center."
The 2017 amendment by c. 160 inserted "including cider" in the first sentence of the definition for "Wine."
The 2017 amendment by c. 585 inserted the definition for "Municipal golf course."
The 2017 amendment by c. 741, in the definition for "Bed and breakfast establishment," added the last sentence.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 337 added the definition for "Internet beer retailer."
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and substituted "prohibit" for "have not approved" in the definition for "Low alcohol beverage cooler."
The 2019 amendment by c. 466, in the definition for "Low alcohol beverage cooler," inserted clause (i) and the designation for clause (ii); and made stylistic changes.
The 2019 amendment by c. 628 added the definitions for "Bespoke clothier establishment," "Coworking establishment," "Member of a bespoke clothier establishment," and "Member of a coworking establishment"; in the second paragraph for the definition of "Public place," substituted " 'Public place' does" for "The term shall"; and in the definition for "Wine," substituted "Wine" for "The term."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 755 substituted "10 acres" for "25 acres" in the definition for "Commercial lifestyle center."
The 2020 amendment by c. 1009 inserted the definition for "Culinary lodging resort."
The 2020 amendment by c. 1010 in the definition for "Resort complex," added clause (iii) in the first sentence, and added "whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises; if the guest rooms or dwelling units are located on property that is not contiguous to the licensed premises, such guest rooms and dwelling units shall be located within the same locality" at the end of the second sentence.
The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, and in the definition for "Low alcohol beverage cooler," deleted clause (ii) at the end of the second sentence, which prohibited sale in certain localities, and deleted the third sentence, which read: "In addition, low alcohol beverage coolers shall not be sold for on-premises consumption other than by mixed beverage licenses." For effective date, see Editor's note.
Law review. - For comment on Virginia's dramshop immunity, see 10 G.M.U. L. Rev. 285 (1988).
For article, "Wine Tasting Activities in Virginia: Is America's First Wine Producing State Destined to Wither on the Vine Due to Overregulation?," see 23 T.M. Cooley L. Rev. 221 (2006).
For annual survey article, "Criminal Law and Procedure," see 44 U. Rich. L. Rev. 339 (2009).
Research References. - Liquor Liability Law (Matthew Bender). Mosher.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 2B M.J. Automobiles, § 118; 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, §§ 2, 24; 17 M.J. Statutes, § 60.
CASE NOTES
I. DECISIONS UNDER CURRENT LAW.
Probable cause to arrest for intoxication. - Police officer had probable cause to believe that defendant had consumed enough alcohol to visibly affect defendant's manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior pursuant to § 4.1-100 . The officer testified that as the officer spoke with defendant there was a very strong odor of alcohol coming from defendant's breath, defendant's speech was slurred, and defendant's eyes were very bloodshot. McGhee v. Commonwealth, 280 Va. 620 , 701 S.E.2d 58, 2010 Va. LEXIS 260 (2010).
Evidence insufficient to infer intoxication. - Granting of a defendant's motion to suppress evidence in the form of a gun seized from his person and statements made to officers, where the officers lacked sufficient justification under the Fourth Amendment to perform a Terry v. Ohio stop, and to arrest and search defendant based on an uncorroborated anonymous tip, and where defendant admitted he had been drinking but was not intoxicated, was affirmed on appeal. United States v. Brown, 401 F.3d 588, 2005 U.S. App. LEXIS 4859 (4th Cir. 2005).
Evidence sufficient to prove intoxication. - Evidence was sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant was intoxicated where he stopped his vehicle in the travel lane of a public road in the middle of the night and got out to clean it; staggered as he walked; had an odor of alcohol about him; slurred his speech; failed a sobriety test; and admitted earlier alcohol consumption. Leake v. Commonwealth, 27 Va. App. 101, 497 S.E.2d 522 (1998).
Where defendant's vehicle struck a barricade near a military base's gate, defendant's convictions for operating a motor vehicle on a military reservation while impaired by an intoxicant and operating a motor vehicle as an habitual offender while impaired by an intoxicant were upheld because substantial evidence supported the finding that defendant was intoxicated since it was clear that defendant's alcohol consumption so affected defendant's manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior as to be apparent to observation. United States v. Scott, 188 Fed. Appx. 213, 2006 U.S. App. LEXIS 16899 (4th Cir. 2006).
Although the trial court erred in a DUI trial in allowing testimony that defendant was offered breath tests following a traffic stop, that evidence was harmless because there was overwhelming evidence that defendant drove while intoxicated; under § 4.1-100 , "intoxicated" meant a condition in which a person had drunk enough alcoholic beverages to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance, or behavior. The evidence at trial proved that defendant drove his car at a reckless speed and that, when stopped, he had an odor of alcohol about his breath, red and glassy eyes, and slurred speech, and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. Reid v. Commonwealth, No. 2162-08-1, 2009 Va. App. LEXIS 308 (July 14, 2009).
Evidence supported defendant's conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol because defendant rear-ended another vehicle, defendant's speech was slurred, defendant smelled of alcohol, defendant had droopy eyes, defendant stumbled when exiting defendant's car and had difficulty standing upon exiting, defendant did not remember being in an accident, defendant later was found passed out some distance from the accident scene, and defendant admitted to drinking and driving. Zinner v. Commonwealth, No. 1289-17-1, 2018 Va. App. LEXIS 310 (Nov. 6, 2018).
Scope of "place." - Defendants' search of plaintiff business owners' business did not violate the constitution, as the search was a proper exercise of the state and local governments' legitimate interest in investigating possible alcohol beverage control violations, and the business owners's private office was subject to inspection under 3 VAC 5-50-70 and § 4.1-100 . Ruttenberg v. Jones, 283 Fed. Appx. 121, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 12907 (4th Cir. 2008).
Termination of a special agent with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was appropriate because the agent violated the constitutional rights of an applicant for a retail alcohol license by searching the applicant's business office in back of a restaurant during a site visit without the applicant's knowledge or consent. The exception for warrantless inspections of businesses engaged in highly regulated industries was not applicable because prior to licensure, applicants for licenses were not subject to the warrantless searches. Osburn v. Va. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 295 Va. 10 , 810 S.E.2d 262, 2018 Va. LEXIS 5 (2018).
"Farm winery." - Alcoholic Beverage Control Board exceeded its authority by not deferring to the zoning determination that a farmer's property lacked sufficient acreage for agricultural use as a farm winery because the enactment clause required the ABC Board to consider and defer to the local zoning authority before granting a license; the enactment clause gives the locality, not the Board, authority to determine if a pending farm winery is permitted on land zoned residential conservation. Va. Alcoholic Bev. v. Bd. of Supervisors, No. 0265-18-4, 2018 Va. App. LEXIS 311 (Nov. 6, 2018).
Applied in Wyatt v. Commonwealth, 47 Va. App. 411, 624 S.E.2d 118, 2006 Va. App. LEXIS 5 (2006).
II. DECISIONS UNDER PRIOR LAW.
Editor's note. - The cases noted below were decided under former § 4-2, now repealed, which covered the same subject matter as this section.
The clear purpose of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act is to permit the possession of spirits and alcoholic beverages legally acquired, and to prohibit and penalize possession when not so acquired. Miller v. Commonwealth, 172 Va. 639 , 2 S.E.2d 343 (1939).
The purpose of the ABC Act is, among other things, to regulate and control the sale, possession, and use of alcoholic beverages. Harbour Enters., Inc. v. Ferro, 231 Va. 71 , 340 S.E.2d 818 (1986);.
Construction of act. - In order for the Supreme Court to construe properly the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, it is necessary to consider under accepted principles the words used, their relation to the subject matter in which they are used, the purposes for which the act was intended, and such other sources, if any, as may throw light upon the intention of the legislature. Miller v. Commonwealth, 172 Va. 639 , 2 S.E.2d 343 (1939).
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act is severable, and the invalidity of subsection (a) of former § 4-51 did not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the act. Booth v. Commonwealth, 197 Va. 177 , 88 S.E.2d 916 (1955).
The ABC Act mandates no statutory tort liability and creates no principal-agent relationships. Harbour Enters., Inc. v. Ferro, 231 Va. 71 , 340 S.E.2d 818 (1986).
Former presumption as to possession wiped out. - The prima facie presumption that a person occupying or in control of premises is in possession of illegal liquor found thereon, which existed under former statutes, was wiped out by the enactment of this act. Sutherland v. Commonwealth, 171 Va. 485 , 198 S.E. 452 (1938); Charles v. Commonwealth, 184 Va. 63 , 34 S.E.2d 136 (1945);.
Intoxication. - The definition of intoxication adopted by the General Assembly, if applied in all pertinent cases, tends to make the law consistent, uniform, certain, stable, and fair, a much desired goal. Gardner v. Commonwealth, 195 Va. 945 , 81 S.E.2d 614 (1954).
In a prosecution for violation of § 18.2-266 , instructions defining intoxication should be in the language of this section. Rodgers v. Commonwealth, 197 Va. 527 , 90 S.E.2d 257 (1955).
For instruction containing definition of "intoxicated," see Oliphant v. Snyder, 206 Va. 932 , 147 S.E.2d 122 (1966).
To be intoxicated the person must have drunk a sufficient amount of alcoholic beverages so as to affect him. Clemmer v. Commonwealth, 208 Va. 661 , 159 S.E.2d 664 (1968).
The issue of intoxication is properly admitted when there are circumstances present other than the mere odor of alcohol on one's breath, such as evidence showing that the person's "manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior" is affected. Hemming v. Hutchinson, 221 Va. 1143 , 277 S.E.2d 230 (1981).
Odor of alcohol on one's breath. - The mere odor of alcohol on one's breath presents no question of intoxication for the determination of the jury. Hill v. Lee, 209 Va. 569 , 166 S.E.2d 274 (1969).
But the odor of alcohol on a person's breath coupled with other circumstances, such as those indicated in the definition of "intoxicated", will be sufficient to support a finding of intoxication. Hill v. Lee, 209 Va. 569 , 166 S.E.2d 274 (1969); United States v. Gholson, 319 F. Supp. 499 (E.D. Va. 1970).
The mere odor of alcohol on a person's breath is insufficient to prove intoxication. Hemming v. Hutchinson, 221 Va. 1143 , 277 S.E.2d 230 (1981).
Court decisions establish the rule that the mere odor of alcohol on a person's breath is insufficient to establish either his intoxication, or his lack of control. But this rule does not apply, for example, where evidence shows that the consumption of alcohol has affected the person's "manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior." These factors are listed in a statutory definition of intoxication contained in this section and applied in some of the decisions. Baker v. Taylor, 229 Va. 66 , 326 S.E.2d 669 (1985).
Virginia adopts definition of "intoxicated" as the test for intoxication in civil cases. United States v. Gholson, 319 F. Supp. 499 (E.D. Va. 1970).
Definition of "intoxicated" provides test for intoxication of one arrested for drunken driving. - Even though former § 18.2-268 (now § 18.2-268.1 et seq.) provided a procedure for determining the alcoholic content of blood of one arrested for drunken driving, it is clear that this is not the only procedure for determining intoxication. In fact, this section provides for another test. United States v. Gholson, 319 F. Supp. 499 (E.D. Va. 1970).
Even where a blood sample was taken but was invalid because not sufficiently identified, the defendant could be retried for drunken driving under the definition set forth in this section. United States v. Gholson, 319 F. Supp. 499 (E.D. Va. 1970).
Definition of "intoxicated" adopted under federal Assimilative Crimes Act. - Since the blood test has been adopted as a definition of the crime of driving while intoxicated where the blood test is consented to and given, the definition of "intoxicated", which has been used by the courts of Virginia in defining intoxication where no blood test is given, should also be adopted under the Assimilative Crimes Act as a definition of the offense where there is no test. United States v. Gholson, 319 F. Supp. 499 (E.D. Va. 1970).
Blood test is more objective test of intoxication. - As compared with the statutory definitional test of intoxication set out in the definition of "intoxicated", the blood test is a new and more objective test and definition for an accused who consents to a blood analysis. United States v. Gholson, 319 F. Supp. 499 (E.D. Va. 1970).
Evidence sufficient to infer intoxication. - The consumption of four cans of beer within a 45-minute period, which ended three and one-half hours before automobile accident, is sufficient evidence to raise an inference of intoxication or impaired capacity, which the jury might draw or reject. Harrell v. Woodson, 233 Va. 117 , 353 S.E.2d 770 (1987).
CIRCUIT COURT OPINIONS
Probable cause to arrest for intoxication. - Deputy had probable cause to believe defendant committed the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol because assuming the statue required physical impairment, the deputy observed signs of physical impairment in defendant; in light of the evidence of defendant's alcohol consumption and its discernable effect on his physical state, his refusal to perform field sobriety tests was circumstantial evidence showing he was aware his consumption of alcohol would affect his ability to perform. Commonwealth v. Aragon,, 2021 Va. Cir. LEXIS 124 (Loudoun County Apr. 28, 2021).
§ 4.1-100. (Effective January 1, 2022) Definitions.
As used in this title unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Alcohol" means the product known as ethyl or grain alcohol obtained by distillation of any fermented liquor, rectified either once or more often, whatever the origin, and shall include synthetic ethyl alcohol, but shall not include methyl alcohol and alcohol completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the government of the United States.
"Alcohol vaporizing device" means any device, machine, or process that mixes any alcoholic beverages with pure oxygen or other gas to produce a vaporized product for the purpose of consumption by inhalation.
"Alcoholic beverages" includes alcohol, spirits, wine, and beer, and any one or more of such varieties containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, including mixed alcoholic beverages, and every liquid or solid, powder or crystal, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer and capable of being consumed by a human being. Any liquid or solid containing more than one of the four varieties shall be considered as belonging to that variety which has the higher percentage of alcohol, however obtained, according to the order in which they are set forth in this definition; except that beer may be manufactured to include flavoring materials and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol, as long as no more than 49 percent of the overall alcohol content of the finished product is derived from the addition of flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol for products with an alcohol content of no more than six percent by volume; or, in the case of products with an alcohol content of more than six percent by volume, as long as no more than one and one-half percent of the volume of the finished product consists of alcohol derived from added flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol.
"Arts venue" means a commercial or nonprofit establishment that is open to the public and in which works of art are sold or displayed.
"Authority" means the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority created pursuant to this title.
"Barrel" means any container or vessel having a capacity of more than 43 ounces.
"Bed and breakfast establishment" means any establishment (i) having no more than 15 bedrooms; (ii) offering to the public, for compensation, transitory lodging or sleeping accommodations; and (iii) offering at least one meal per day, which may but need not be breakfast, to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided. For purposes of the licensing requirements of this title, "bed and breakfast establishment" includes any property offered to the public for short-term rental, as that term is defined in § 15.2-983 , other than a hotel as defined in this section, regardless of whether a meal is offered to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided.
"Beer" means any alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of an infusion or decoction of barley, malt, and hops or of any similar products in drinkable water and containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
"Bottle" means any vessel intended to contain liquids and having a capacity of not more than 43 ounces.
"Bus" means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 (§ 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in this title or Board regulation.
"Club" means any private nonprofit corporation or association which is the owner, lessee, or occupant of an establishment operated solely for a national, social, patriotic, political, athletic, or other like purpose, but not for pecuniary gain, the advantages of which belong to all of the members. It also means the establishment so operated. A corporation or association shall not lose its status as a club because of the conduct of charitable gaming conducted pursuant to Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2 in which nonmembers participate frequently or in large numbers, provided that no alcoholic beverages are served or consumed in the room where such charitable gaming is being conducted while such gaming is being conducted and that no alcoholic beverages are made available upon the premises to any person who is neither a member nor a bona fide guest of a member.
Any such corporation or association which has been declared exempt from federal and state income taxes as one which is not organized and operated for pecuniary gain or profit shall be deemed a nonprofit corporation or association.
"Commercial lifestyle center" means a mixed-use commercial development covering a minimum of 10 acres of land and having at least 100,000 square feet of retail space featuring national specialty chain stores and a combination of dining, entertainment, office, residential, or hotel establishments located in a physically integrated outdoor setting that is pedestrian friendly and that is governed by a commercial owners' association that is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of the common areas thereof.
"Container" means any barrel, bottle, carton, keg, vessel, or other receptacle used for holding alcoholic beverages.
"Contract winemaking facility" means the premises of a licensed winery or farm winery that obtains grapes, fruits, and other agricultural products from a person holding a farm winery license and crushes, processes, ferments, bottles, or provides any combination of such services pursuant to an agreement with the farm winery licensee. For all purposes of this title, wine produced by a contract winemaking facility for a farm winery shall be considered to be wine owned and produced by the farm winery that supplied the grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products used in the production of the wine. The contract winemaking facility shall have no right to sell the wine so produced, unless the terms of payment have not been fulfilled in accordance with the contract. The contract winemaking facility may charge the farm winery for its services.
"Convenience grocery store" means an establishment that (i) has an enclosed room in a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and (ii) maintains an inventory of edible items intended for human consumption consisting of a variety of such items of the types normally sold in grocery stores.
"Culinary lodging resort" means a facility (i) having not less than 13 overnight guest rooms in a building that has at least 20,000 square feet of indoor floor space; (ii) located on a farm in the Commonwealth with at least 1,000 acres of land zoned agricultural; (iii) equipped with a full-service kitchen; and (iv) offering to the public, for compensation, at least one meal per day, lodging, and recreational and educational activities related to farming, livestock, and other rural activities.
"Delicatessen" means an establishment that sells a variety of prepared foods or foods requiring little preparation, such as cheeses, salads, cooked meats, and related condiments.
"Designated area" means a room or area approved by the Board for on-premises licensees.
"Dining area" means a public room or area in which meals are regularly served.
"Drugstore" means an establishment that sells medicines prepared by a licensed pharmacist pursuant to a prescription and other medicines and items for home and general use.
"Establishment" means any place where alcoholic beverages of one or more varieties are lawfully manufactured, sold, or used.
"Farm winery" means (i) an establishment (a) located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (b) located in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area or agreements for purchasing grapes or other fruits from agricultural growers within the Commonwealth, and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (ii) an accredited public or private institution of higher education, provided that (a) no wine manufactured by the institution shall be sold, (b) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be used solely for research and educational purposes, (c) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be stored on the premises of such farm winery that shall be separate and apart from all other facilities of the institution, and (d) such farm winery is operated in strict conformance with the requirements of this clause (ii) and Board regulations. As used in this definition, the terms "owner" and "lessee" shall include a cooperative formed by an association of individuals for the purpose of manufacturing wine. In the event that such cooperative is licensed as a farm winery, the term "farm" as used in this definition includes all of the land owned or leased by the individual members of the cooperative as long as such land is located in the Commonwealth. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" means (1) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (2) land otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery use. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in the definition of "land zoned agricultural" shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
"Gift shop" means any bona fide retail store selling, predominantly, gifts, books, souvenirs, specialty items relating to history, original and handmade arts and products, collectibles, crafts, and floral arrangements, which is open to the public on a regular basis. Such shop shall be a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and which has facilities to properly secure any stock of wine or beer. Such shop may be located (i) on the premises or grounds of a government registered national, state or local historic building or site or (ii) within the premises of a museum. The Board shall consider the purpose, characteristics, nature, and operation of the shop in determining whether it shall be considered a gift shop.
"Gourmet brewing shop" means an establishment which sells to persons to whom wine or beer may lawfully be sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and rents to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting and bottling such wine or beer.
"Gourmet oyster house" means an establishment that (i) is located on the premises of a commercial marina, (ii) is permitted by the Department of Health to serve oysters and other fresh seafood for consumption on the premises, and (iii) offers to the public events for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about local oysters and other seafood products.
"Gourmet shop" means an establishment provided with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, substantial amounts of domestic and imported wines and beers of various types and sizes and related products such as cheeses and gourmet foods are habitually furnished to persons.
"Government store" means a store established by the Authority for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
"Grocery store" means an establishment that sells food and other items intended for human consumption, including a variety of ingredients commonly used in the preparation of meals.
"Historic cinema house" means a nonprofit establishment exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that was built prior to 1970 and that exists for the primary purpose of showing motion pictures to the public.
"Hotel" means any duly licensed establishment, provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, food and lodging are habitually furnished to persons, and which has four or more bedrooms. It shall also mean the person who operates such hotel.
"Interdicted person" means a person to whom the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by order pursuant to this title.
"Internet wine and beer retailer" means a person who owns or operates an establishment with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, Internet or telephone orders are taken and shipped directly to consumers and which establishment is not a retail store open to the public.
"Intoxicated" means a condition in which a person has drunk enough alcoholic beverages to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance, or behavior.
"Licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority.
"Licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority.
"Liqueur" means any of a class of highly flavored alcoholic beverages that do not exceed an alcohol content of 25 percent by volume.
"Low alcohol beverage cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, but not more than seven and one-half percent alcohol by volume, and consisting of spirits mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials; it may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, preservatives or other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Low alcohol beverage coolers shall be treated as wine for all purposes of this title, except that low alcohol beverage coolers may be manufactured by a licensed distiller or a distiller located outside the Commonwealth.
"Marina store" means an establishment that is located on the same premises as a marina, is operated by the owner of such marina, and sells food and nautical and fishing supplies.
"Meals" means, for a mixed beverage license, an assortment of foods commonly ordered in bona fide, full-service restaurants as principal meals of the day. Such restaurants shall include establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Member of a club" means (i) a person who maintains his membership in the club by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules and regulations thereof or (ii) a person who is a member of a bona fide auxiliary, local chapter, or squadron composed of direct lineal descendants of a bona fide member, whether alive or deceased, of a national or international organization to which an individual lodge holding a club license is an authorized member in the same locality. It shall also mean a lifetime member whose financial contribution is not less than 10 times the annual dues of resident members of the club, the full amount of such contribution being paid in advance in a lump sum.
"Mixed beverage" or "mixed alcoholic beverage" means a drink composed in whole or in part of spirits.
"Mixer" means any prepackaged ingredients containing beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives which are not commonly consumed unless combined with alcoholic beverages, whether or not such ingredients contain alcohol. Such specialty beverage product shall be manufactured or distributed by a Virginia corporation.
"Municipal golf course" means any golf course that is owned by any town incorporated in 1849 and which is the county seat of Smyth County.
"Place or premises" means the real estate, together with any buildings or other improvements thereon, designated in the application for a license as the place at which the manufacture, bottling, distribution, use or sale of alcoholic beverages shall be performed, except that portion of any such building or other improvement actually and exclusively used as a private residence.
"Principal stockholder" means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the equity ownership of any person that is a licensee of the Authority, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such equity ownership. "Principal stockholder" does not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Authority.
"Public place" means any place, building, or conveyance to which the public has, or is permitted to have, access, including restaurants, soda fountains, hotel dining areas, lobbies and corridors of hotels, and any park, place of public resort or amusement, highway, street, lane, or sidewalk adjoining any highway, street, or lane.
"Public place" does not include (i) hotel or restaurant dining areas or ballrooms while in use for private meetings or private parties limited in attendance to members and guests of a particular group, association or organization; (ii) restaurants licensed by the Authority in office buildings or industrial or similar facilities while such restaurant is closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; (iii) offices, office buildings or industrial facilities while closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; or (iv) private recreational or chartered boats which are not licensed by the Board and on which alcoholic beverages are not sold.
"Residence" means any building or part of a building or structure where a person resides, but does not include any part of a building that is not actually and exclusively used as a private residence, nor any part of a hotel or club other than a private guest room thereof.
"Resort complex" means a facility (i) with a hotel owning year-round sports and recreational facilities located contiguously on the same property; (ii) owned by a nonstock, nonprofit, taxable corporation with voluntary membership which, as its primary function, makes available golf, ski, and other recreational facilities both to its members and to the general public; or (iii) operated by a corporation that operates as a management company which, as its primary function, makes available (a) vacation accommodations, guest rooms, or dwelling units and (b) golf, ski, and other recreational facilities to members of the managed entities and the general public. The hotel or corporation shall have or manage a minimum of 140 private guest rooms or dwelling units contained on not less than 50 acres, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises; if the guest rooms or dwelling units are located on property that is not contiguous to the licensed premises, such guest rooms and dwelling units shall be located within the same locality. The Authority may consider the purpose, characteristics, and operation of the applicant establishment in determining whether it shall be considered as a resort complex. All other pertinent qualifications established by the Board for a hotel operation shall be observed by such licensee.
"Restaurant" means, for a wine and beer license or a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, any establishment provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, meals or other foods prepared on the premises are regularly sold.
"Restaurant" means, for a mixed beverage license other than a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, an established place of business (i) where meals with substantial entrees are regularly sold and (ii) which has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking, preparing, and serving such meals for consumption at tables in dining areas on the premises, and includes establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Sale" and "sell" includes soliciting or receiving an order for; keeping, offering or exposing for sale; peddling, exchanging or bartering; or delivering otherwise than gratuitously, by any means, alcoholic beverages.
"Sangria" means a drink consisting of red or white wine mixed with some combination of sweeteners, fruit, fruit juice, soda, or soda water that may also be mixed with brandy, triple sec, or other similar spirits.
"Special agent" means an employee of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority whom the Board has designated as a law-enforcement officer pursuant to § 4.1-105 .
"Special event" means an event sponsored by a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association and conducted for an athletic, charitable, civic, educational, political, or religious purpose.
"Spirits" means any beverage that contains alcohol obtained by distillation mixed with drinkable water and other substances, in solution, and includes, among other things, brandy, rum, whiskey, and gin, or any one or more of the last four named ingredients, but shall not include any such liquors completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the United States government.
"Wine" means any alcoholic beverage, including cider, obtained by the fermentation of the natural sugar content of fruits or other agricultural products containing (i) sugar, including honey and milk, either with or without additional sugar; (ii) one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; and (iii) no product of distillation. "Wine" includes any wine to which wine spirits have been added, as provided in the Internal Revenue Code, to make products commonly known as "fortified wine" which do not exceed an alcohol content of 21 percent by volume.
"Wine cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, and not more than three and two-tenths percent of alcohol by weight or four percent by volume consisting of wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives and shall include other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Wine coolers and similar fermented fruit juice beverages shall be treated as wine for all purposes except for taxation under § 4.1-236 .
"With or without meals" means the selling and serving of alcoholic beverages by retail licensees for on-premises consumption whether or not accompanied by food so long as the total food-beverage ratio required by § 4.1-206.3 , or the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulation, is met by such retail licensee.
(Code 1950, §§ 4-2, 4-99; 1952, c. 496; 1954, c. 682; 1962, c. 533; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.1; 1970, cc. 302, 309; 1974, cc. 460, 497; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 64, 702; 1977, c. 280; 1980, cc. 324, 490; 1983, c. 340; 1984, c. 200; 1985, cc. 448, 457; 1988, c. 261, § 4-127; 1990, cc. 707, 932; 1991, c. 426; 1993, cc. 190, 866, 910; 1995, cc. 497, 518, 661; 1996, cc. 558, 604; 1997, cc. 124, 425; 1999, cc. 93, 171, 481; 2000, cc. 786, 1037, 1052; 2005, c. 911; 2006, c. 714; 2007, cc. 101, 295, 454, 558; 2008, cc. 198, 513, 875; 2013, cc. 107, 117; 2014, cc. 124, 510; 2015, cc. 25, 38, 54, 288, 348, 730, 735; 2016, cc. 324, 710; 2017, cc. 152, 157, 160, 492, 585, 741; 2018, c. 337; 2019, cc. 37, 178, 466, 628; 2020, cc. 755, 1009, 1010, 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-100 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 9 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act. The Board's initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act ( § 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), except that the Board shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the regulations prior to adoption."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 755 substituted "10 acres" for "25 acres" in the definition of "Commercial lifestyle center."
The 2020 amendment by c. 1009 inserted the definition for "Culinary lodging resort."
The 2020 amendment by c. 1010, in the definition for "Resort complex," added clause (iii) in the first sentence, and added "whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises; if the guest rooms or dwelling units are located on property that is not contiguous to the licensed premises, such guest rooms and dwelling units shall be located within the same locality" at the end of the second sentence.
The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114, effective July 1, 2020, are identical, and in the definition for "Low alcohol beverage cooler," deleted clause (ii) at the end of the second sentence, which prohibited sale in certain localities, and deleted the third sentence, which read: "In addition, low alcohol beverage coolers shall not be sold for on-premises consumption other than by mixed beverage licensees."
The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, are identical, and deleted the definitions for "Art instruction studio," "Bespoke clothier establishment," "Canal boat operator," "Coworking establishment," "Day spa," "Internet wine retailer," "Meal-assembly kitchen," "Member of a bespoke clothier establishment," and "Member of a coworking establishment"; added the definitions for "Bus," "Delicatessen," "Drugstore," "Gourmet oyster house," "Grocery store" and "Marina store"; inserted "wine and" in the defined term "Internet beer retailer"; in the first paragraph of the definition for "Restaurant," deleted "beer, or" preceding "wine and beer license"; in the definition for "With or without meals," substituted " § 4.1-206.3 " for " § 4.1-210 " and made stylistic changes.
§ 4.1-101. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority created; public purpose.
- The General Assembly has determined that there exists in the Commonwealth a need to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, and delivery of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth. Further, the General Assembly determines that the creation of an authority for this purpose is in the public interest, serves a public purpose, and will promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience, and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth. To achieve this objective, there is hereby created an independent political subdivision of the Commonwealth, exclusive of the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of state government, to be known as the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. The Authority's exercise of powers and duties conferred by this title shall be deemed the performance of an essential governmental function and a matter of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent. The Board of Directors of the Authority is vested with control of the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, and delivery of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth, with plenary power to prescribe and enforce regulations and conditions under which alcoholic beverages are possessed, sold, transported, distributed, and delivered, so as to prevent any corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practices and to promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience, and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth. The exercise of the powers granted by this title shall be in all respects for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth and for the promotion of their safety, health, welfare, and convenience. No part of the assets or net earnings of the Authority shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, any private individual, except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Authority affecting one or more of its purposes, and benefits may be conferred that are in conformity with said purposes, and no private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution of the Authority.
- The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority shall consist of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and the agents and employees of the Authority. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority shall be deemed successor in interest to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
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Nothing contained in this title shall be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers that the Board of Directors of the Authority might otherwise have under any other law of the Commonwealth.
(Code 1950, § 4-6; 1976, c. 64; 1993, c. 866; 2015, c. 38, 730.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 5, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board or its successor in interest shall continue to receive IT infrastructure and security services pursuant to Chapter 20.1 ( § 2.2-2005 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia until such time as the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board or its successor in interest elects to no longer receive such services. However, any such departure from services provided under Chapter 20.1 ( § 2.2-2005 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia shall not be made prior to October 1, 2018. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board or its successor in interest may determine to continue to receive all or partial services pursuant to Chapter 20.1 ( § 2.2-2005 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia based on mutual agreement between it and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 7 provides: "That the regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board promulgated pursuant to Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia shall be administered by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and shall remain in full force and effect until altered, amended, or rescinded by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 8 provides: "That in the event that ex officio membership on any board, commission, council, committee, or other body is affected by the provisions of this act, the Governor shall designate an appropriate successor officer, employee, or member of a board or agency established pursuant to the provisions of this act as a replacement."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 9 provides: "That the Governor may transfer an appropriation or any portion thereof within a state agency established, abolished, or otherwise affected by the provisions of this act, or from one such agency to another, to support the changes in organization or responsibility resulting from or required by the provisions of this act."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 10 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority shall be deemed successor in interest to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to the extent this act transfers powers and duties. All right, title, and interest in and to real or tangible personal property vested in the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to the extent that this act transfers powers and duties as of the effective date of this act [January 15, 2018] shall be transferred and taken as standing in the name of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 11 provides: "That wherever in the Code of Virginia the term 'Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control' is used, it shall be deemed to mean the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and wherever in the Code of Virginia the term 'Alcoholic Beverage Control Board' is used, it shall mean the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 12, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That any accumulated sick leave, personal leave, or annual leave of any employee of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control who transfers to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in accordance with the provisions of this act shall transfer with the employee. Notwithstanding subsection D of § 4.1-101.05 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, any accrued sick leave of any employee of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control participating in the Traditional Sick Leave Program who transfers to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in accordance with the provisions of this act shall be paid out to the employee in accordance with applicable policies and procedures adopted by the Department of Human Resource Management. Notwithstanding subsections B and D of § 51.1-1103 of the Code of Virginia, all employees of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control participating in the Traditional Sick Leave Program who transfer to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in accordance with the provisions of this act shall, upon such transfer, (i) participate in the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program and (ii) be eligible for nonwork related disability benefits without meeting the one-year waiting period required under subsection D of § 51.1-1103 of the Code of Virginia."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 14 provides: "That by October 15 each year, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or its successor shall, for the purposes of identifying the total costs of the operation and administration of the Department or its successors to be funded from the revenues generated by such entity, submit to the General Assembly a report detailing the total percentage of gross revenues required for the operation and administration of the Department, excluding expenditures made for the purchase of distilled spirits, for the prior fiscal year, and a relative comparison to the three prior fiscal years."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 15 provides: "That by January 1, 2017, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control shall submit to the General Assembly for its review the proposed personnel and procurement policies, including such policies to facilitate the participation of small businesses and businesses owned by women, minorities, and service disabled veterans in the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority's procurement process, that are developed for the use of the Authority in place of Department policies currently governing personnel and procurement. The submission shall detail all instances in which the proposed policies and procedures materially differ from those governing state agencies."
Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 4 provides: "That, beginning January 15, 2018, special agents and employees of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (the Board) shall be considered employees and special agents of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the Department) for the purpose of maintaining continued employment. The Department, including such special agents and employees, shall continue in existence through December 31, 2018. The Board shall continue in existence until July 1, 2018. During the period of January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, (i) the Department and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall exist simultaneously for the purpose of transferring special agents and employees and transitioning operations of the Department to the Authority in accordance with § 4.1-101.05 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, and (ii) the Board of Directors of the Authority shall carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Board, notwithstanding elimination of the Board on July 1, 2018, for the purpose of transferring special agents and employees and facilitating the transition of operations from the Board and Department to the Authority."
Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 5 provides: "That prior to July 1, 2018, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the Department) shall enter into an operating agreement whereby employees and special agents of the Department are authorized to exercise the powers and duties conferred by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board that are incidental to their employment or agency with the Department and conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Authority in accordance with § 4.1-103 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act."
Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 6 provides: "That any agent or employee of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control vested with any powers or duties assigned or delegated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board shall be authorized to continuously exercise the same powers and duties conferred upon him as if designated the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and rewrote the section, which read "The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is created and shall consist of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the agents and employees of the Board."
CASE NOTES
The power of the legislature to appoint boards such as the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (now Board) is no longer debatable. Commonwealth v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 181 Va. 678 , 26 S.E.2d 94 (1943) (decided under prior law).
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
"Brand name." - Title 4.1 does not define "brand name," nor has the Board defined this term in its regulations. In the context of wine labels, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority appears to be using the term "brand name" synonymously with the term "brand," as that term is defined by the Virginia Code. See opinion of Attorney General to Honorable Richard L. Saslaw, Member, Senate of Virginia, 18-061, 2019 Va. AG LEXIS 32 (11/15/19).
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority guidance documents should not deem every change on a label to constitute a new brand in a manner that is contrary to the statutory definition of "brand" or that is contrary to regulations promulgated by the ABC Board. See opinion of Attorney General to Honorable Richard L. Saslaw, Member, Senate of Virginia, 18-061, 2019 Va. AG LEXIS 32 (11/15/19).
§ 4.1-101.01. Board of Directors; membership; terms; compensation.
- The Authority shall be governed by a Board of Directors, which shall consist of five citizens at large appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting in each house of the General Assembly. Each appointee shall (i) have been a resident of the Commonwealth for a period of at least three years next preceding his appointment, and his continued residency shall be a condition of his tenure in office; (ii) hold, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree in business or a related field of study; and (iii) possess a minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience or expertise in the direct management, supervision, or control of a business or legal affairs. Appointees shall be subject to a background check in accordance with § 4.1-101.03 .
- After the initial staggering of terms, members shall be appointed for a term of five years. All members shall serve until their successors are appointed. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. No member appointed by the Governor shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms; however, a member appointed to fill a vacancy may serve two additional consecutive terms. Members of the Board may be removed from office by the Governor for cause, including the improper use of its police powers, malfeasance, misfeasance, incompetence, misconduct, neglect of duty, absenteeism, conflict of interests, failure to carry out the policies of the Commonwealth as established in the Constitution or by the General Assembly, or refusal to carry out a lawful directive of the Governor.
- The Governor shall appoint the chairman and vice-chairman of the Board from among the membership of the Board. The Board may elect other subordinate officers, who need not be members of the Board. The Board may also form committees and advisory councils, which may include representatives who are not members of the Board, to undertake more extensive study and discussion of the issues before the Board. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the Authority's business, and no vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise the rights and perform all duties of the Authority.
- The Board shall meet at least every 60 days for the transaction of its business. Special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer or upon the written request of a majority of the Board members.
- Members of the Board shall receive annually such salary, compensation, and reimbursement of expenses for the performance of their official duties as set forth in the general appropriation act for members of the House of Delegates when the General Assembly is not in session, except that the chairman of the Board shall receive annually such salary, compensation, and reimbursement of expenses for the performance of his official duties as set forth in the general appropriation act for a member of the Senate of Virginia when the General Assembly is not in session.
- The provisions of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) shall apply to the members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, and the employees of the Authority. (2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 7 provides: "That the provisions of § 4.1-101.01 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, shall expire on July 1, 2018." The section as set out above does not include amendments by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707.
Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 8 provides: "That a current member of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is eligible for reappointment in accordance with the provisions of this act, provided that such member meets the qualifications set forth in § 4.1-101.01 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707 are identical, expire July 1, 2018, and inserted subsection A and redesignated subsequent subsections accordingly; and substituted "Beginning July 1, 2018, the" for "The" at the beginning of subsection B.
§ 4.1-101.02. Appointment, salary, and powers of Chief Executive Officer; appointment of confidential assistant to the Chief Executive Officer.
- The Chief Executive Officer of the Authority shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting in each house of the General Assembly. The Chief Executive Officer shall not be a member of the Board; shall hold, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree in business or a related field of study; and shall possess a minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience or expertise in the direct management, supervision, or control of a business or legal affairs. The Chief Executive Officer shall receive such compensation as determined by the Board and approved by the Governor, including any performance bonuses or incentives as the Board deems advisable. The Chief Executive Officer shall be subject to a background check in accordance with § 4.1-101.03 . The Chief Executive Officer shall (i) carry out the powers and duties conferred upon him by the Board or imposed upon him by law and (ii) meet performance measures or targets set by the Board and approved by the Governor. The Chief Executive Officer may be removed from office by the Governor for cause, including the improper use of the Authority's police powers, malfeasance, misfeasance, incompetence, misconduct, neglect of duty, absenteeism, conflict of interests, failure to meet performance measures or targets as set by the Board and approved by the Governor, failure to carry out the policies of the Commonwealth as established in the Constitution or by the General Assembly, or refusal to carry out a lawful directive of the Governor.
- The Chief Executive Officer shall devote his full time to the performance of his official duties and shall not be engaged in any other profession or occupation.
- The Chief Executive Officer shall supervise and administer the operations of the Authority in accordance with this title.
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The Chief Executive Officer shall:
- Serve as the secretary to the Board and keep a true and full record of all proceedings of the Authority and preserve at the Authority's general office all books, documents, and papers of the Authority;
- Exercise and perform such powers and duties as may be delegated to him by the Board or as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law;
- Employ or retain such special agents or employees subordinate to the Chief Executive Officer as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Authority conferred upon the Chief Executive Officer, subject to the Board's approval; and
- Make recommendations to the Board for legislative and regulatory changes.
- Neither the Chief Executive Officer nor the spouse or any member of the immediate family of the Chief Executive Officer shall make any contribution to a candidate for office or officeholder at the local or state level or cause such a contribution to be made on his behalf.
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To assist the Chief Executive Officer in the performance of his duties, the Governor shall also appoint one confidential assistant for administration who shall be deemed to serve on an employment-at-will basis.
(2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2020, c. 1289, Item § 4-6.01 C 10, as added by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 552, effective for the biennium ending June 30, 2020, provides: "10. Notwithstanding any provision of this act, the Board of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may supplement the salary of its Chief Executive Officer in accordance with § 4.1-101.02 . The Board should be guided by criteria, which provide a reasonable limit on the total additional income of the Chief Executive Officer. The criteria should include, without limitation, a consideration of the salaries paid to similar officials in comparable independent agencies. The Board shall report such criteria and potential supplement level to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees at least 60 days prior to the effectuation of the compensation action. The Board shall report approved supplements to the Department of Human Resource Management for retention in its record."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707 are identical, and in subdivision D 3, substituted "Employ" for "Appoint a chief financial officer and employ" and inserted "special" preceding "agents or employees."
§ 4.1-101.03. Background investigations of Board members and Chief Executive Officer.
All members of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall be fingerprinted before, and as a condition of, appointment. These fingerprints shall be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records search and to the Department of State Police for a Virginia criminal history records search. The Department of State Police shall be reimbursed by the Authority for the cost of investigations conducted pursuant to this section. No person shall be appointed to the Board or appointed by the Board who (i) has defrauded or attempted to defraud any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority by making or filing any report, document, or tax return required by statute or regulation that is fraudulent or contains a false representation of a material fact; (ii) has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or governmental authority by making or maintaining business records required by statute or regulation that are false and fraudulent; or (iii) has been convicted of (a) a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or (b) a violation of any law applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession, use, or sale of alcoholic beverages within the five years immediately preceding appointment.
(2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
§ 4.1-101.04. Financial interests of Board, employees, and family members prohibited.
No Board member or employee of the Authority shall (i) be a principal stockholder or (ii) otherwise have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any licensee subject to the provisions of this title or in any entity that has submitted an application for a license under Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.). No Board member and no spouse or immediate family member of a Board member shall make any contribution to a candidate for office or officeholder at the local or state level or cause such a contribution to be made on his behalf.
(2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
§ 4.1-101.05. Employees of the Authority.
- Employees of the Authority shall be considered employees of the Commonwealth. Employees of the Authority shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System or other retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1 and participation in all health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law. Employees of the Authority shall be employed on such terms and conditions as established by the Board. The Board shall develop and adopt policies and procedures that afford its employees grievance rights, ensure that employment decisions shall be based upon the merit and fitness of applicants, and prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Board shall develop, implement, and administer a paid leave program, which may include annual, personal, and sick leave or any combination thereof. All other leave benefits shall be administered in accordance with Chapter 11 (§ 51.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 51.1, except as otherwise provided in this section.
- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Authority shall give preference in hiring to special agents and employees of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The Authority shall issue a written notice to all persons whose employment at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will be transferred to the Authority. The date upon which such written notice is issued shall be referred to herein as the "Option Date." In order to facilitate an orderly and efficient transition and ensure the continuation of operations during the transition from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the Department) to the Authority, the Authority shall have discretion, subject to the time limitations contained herein, to determine the date upon which any employee's employment with the Department will end or be transferred to the Authority. This date shall be stated in the written notice and shall be referred to herein as the "Transition Date." No Transition Date shall occur prior to July 1, 2018, without the mutual agreement of the employee and the Authority. No Transition Date shall be set beyond December 31, 2018. Each person whose employment will be transferred to the Authority may, by written request made within 180 days of the Option Date, elect not to become employed by the Authority. Any employee of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control who (i) is not offered the opportunity to transfer to employment by the Authority or (ii) is not offered a position with the Authority for which the employee is qualified or is offered a position that requires relocation or a reduction in salary shall be eligible for the severance benefits conferred by the provisions of the Workforce Transition Act (§ 2.2-3200 et seq.). Any employee who accepts employment with the Authority shall not be considered to be involuntarily separated from state employment and shall not be eligible for the severance benefits conferred by the provisions of the Workforce Transition Act. Any eligibility for such severance benefits shall be contingent on the continued employment through an employee's Transition Date.
- Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any person whose employment is transferred to the Authority as a result of this section and who is a member of any plan for providing health insurance coverage pursuant to Chapter 28 (§ 2.2-2800 et seq.) of Title 2.2 shall continue to be a member of such health insurance plan under the same terms and conditions as if no transfer had occurred.
- Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any person whose employment is transferred to the Authority as a result of this section and who is a member of the Virginia Retirement System or other retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1 shall continue to be a member of the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan under the same terms and conditions as if no transfer had occurred.
- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person whose employment is transferred to the Authority as a result of this section and who was subjected to a criminal history background check as a condition of employment with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control shall not be subject to the requirements of § 4.1-103.1 , unless the Authority deems otherwise. (2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 698, 707, 742; 2020, c. 1137.)
Cross references. - As to health insurance coverage for state employees, see § 2.2-2818 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 12, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That any accumulated sick leave, personal leave, or annual leave of any employee of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control who transfers to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in accordance with the provisions of this act shall transfer with the employee. Notwithstanding subsection D of § 4.1-101.05 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, any accrued sick leave of any employee of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control participating in the Traditional Sick Leave Program who transfers to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in accordance with the provisions of this act shall be paid out to the employee in accordance with applicable policies and procedures adopted by the Department of Human Resource Management. Notwithstanding subsections B and D of § 51.1-1103 of the Code of Virginia, all employees of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control participating in the Traditional Sick Leave Program who transfer to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in accordance with the provisions of this act shall, upon such transfer, (i) participate in the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program and (ii) be eligible for nonwork related disability benefits without meeting the one-year waiting period required under subsection D of § 51.1-1103 of the Code of Virginia."
Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 4 provides: "That, beginning January 15, 2018, special agents and employees of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (the Board) shall be considered employees and special agents of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the Department) for the purpose of maintaining continued employment. The Department, including such special agents and employees, shall continue in existence through December 31, 2018. The Board shall continue in existence until July 1, 2018. During the period of January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, (i) the Department and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall exist simultaneously for the purpose of transferring special agents and employees and transitioning operations of the Department to the Authority in accordance with § 4.1-101.05 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, and (ii) the Board of Directors of the Authority shall carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Board, notwithstanding elimination of the Board on July 1, 2018, for the purpose of transferring special agents and employees and facilitating the transition of operations from the Board and Department to the Authority."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707, in subsection A, inserted "or other retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 ( § 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1", and added the last two sentences; in subsection B, inserted "special agents and," deleted "former" preceding "Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control" throughout, added the fourth through eighth and last sentences; and added subsection E. In addition, c. 707, in subsection B, deleted former clause (ii), which read: "elects not to become employed by the Authority and who is not reemployed by any department, institution, board, commission, or agency of the Commonwealth"; and made related changes.
The 2017 amendment by c. 742, deleted the former clause (ii) in subsection B, which read: "elects not to become employed by the Authority and who is not reemployed by any department, institution, board, commission, or agency of the Commonwealth" and made related changes.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 1137 inserted "sexual orientation, gender identity" in the fourth sentence of subsection A.
§ 4.1-101.06. Moneys of Authority.
All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid in accordance with § 4.1-116 .
(2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
§ 4.1-101.07. Forms of accounts and records; audit; annual report.
- The accounts and records of the Authority showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in a form prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives shall annually examine the accounts and books of the Authority. The Authority shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 15 of each year. Such report shall contain the audited annual financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the previous June 30. The Authority shall also submit a six-year plan detailing its assumed revenue forecast, assumed operating costs, number of retail facilities, capital costs, including lease payments, major acquisitions of services and tangible or intangible property, any material changes to the policies and procedures issued by the Authority related to procurement or personnel, and any proposed marketing activities.
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Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in exercising any power conferred under this title, the Authority may implement and maintain independent payroll and nonpayroll disbursement systems. These systems and related procedures shall be subject to review and approval by the State Comptroller. Upon agreement with the State Comptroller, the Authority may report summary level detail on both payroll and nonpayroll transactions to the State Comptroller through the Department of Accounts' financial management system or its successor system. Such reports shall be made in accordance with policies, procedures, and directives as prescribed by the State Comptroller. A nonpayroll disbursement system shall include all disbursements and expenditures, other than payroll. Such disbursements and expenditures shall include travel reimbursements, revenue refunds, disbursements for vendor payments, petty cash, and interagency payments.
(2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707 are identical, and designated the existing paragraph as subsection A; in subsection A, substituted "December 15" for "November 1"; and added subsection B.
§ 4.1-101.08. Leases of property.
The Authority shall be exempt from the provisions of § 2.2-1149 and from any rules, regulations, and guidelines of the Division of Engineering and Buildings in relation to leases of real property into which it enters.
(2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Cross references. - As to Division of Engineering and Building, generally, see § 2.2-1129 et seq.
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
§ 4.1-101.09. Exemptions from taxes or assessments.
The exercise of the powers granted by this title shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their living conditions, and as the undertaking of activities in the furtherance of the purposes of the Authority constitutes the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this title or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on the tangible personal property used in the operations of the Authority. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of any property of the Authority businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.
(2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2105, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
§ 4.1-101.010. Exemption of Authority from personnel and procurement procedures; information systems; etc.
- The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this title. Nor shall the provisions of Chapter 20.1 (§ 2.2-2005 et seq.) of Title 2.2 or Article 2 (§ 51.1-1104 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 51.1 apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this title.
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To effect its implementation, the Authority's procurement of goods, services, insurance, and construction and the disposition of surplus materials shall be exempt from:
- State agency requirements regarding disposition of surplus materials and distribution of proceeds from the sale or recycling of surplus materials under §§ 2.2-1124 and 2.2-1125 ;
- The requirement to purchase from the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired under § 2.2-1117 ; and
- Any other state statutes, rules, regulations, or requirements relating to the procurement of goods, services, insurance, and construction, including Article 3 (§ 2.2-1109 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 2.2, regarding the duties, responsibilities, and authority of the Division of Purchases and Supply of the Virginia Department of General Services, and Article 4 (§ 2.2-1129 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 2.2, regarding the review and the oversight by the Division of Engineering and Buildings of the Department of General Services of contracts for the construction of the Authority's capital projects and construction-related professional services under § 2.2-1132 .
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The Authority (i) may purchase from and participate in all statewide contracts for goods and services, including information technology goods and services; (ii) shall use directly or by integration or interface the Commonwealth's electronic procurement system subject to the terms and conditions agreed upon between the Authority and the Department of General Services; and (iii) shall post on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website all Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposal, sole source award notices, and emergency award notices to ensure visibility and access to the Authority's procurement opportunities on one website.
(2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707 are identical, and designated the existing paragraph as subsection A; in subsection A, inserted "or Article 2 ( § 51.1-1104 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 51.1"; and added subsections B and C.
§ 4.1-101.011. Reversion to the Commonwealth.
In the event of the dissolution of the Authority, all assets of the Authority, after satisfaction of creditors, shall revert to the Commonwealth.
(2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2105, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
§ 4.1-101.1. Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail; electronic communications as alternative to regular mail; limitation.
- Whenever in this title the Board is required to send any mail or notice by certified mail and such mail or notice is sent certified mail, return receipt requested, then any subsequent, identical mail or notice that is sent by the Board may be sent by regular mail.
- Except as provided in subsection C, whenever in this title the Board is required or permitted to send any mail, notice, or other official communication by regular mail to persons licensed under Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.), upon the request of a licensee, the Board may instead send such mail, notice, or official communication by email, text message, or other electronic means to the email address, telephone number, or other contact information provided to the Board by the licensee, provided that the Board retains sufficient proof of the electronic delivery, which may be an electronic receipt of delivery or a certificate of service prepared by the Board confirming the electronic delivery.
- No notice required by § 4.1-227 to (i) a licensee of a hearing that may result in the suspension or revocation of his license or the imposition of a civil penalty or (ii) a person holding a permit shall be sent by the Board by email, text message, or other electronic means, nor shall any decision by the Board to suspend or revoke a license or permit or impose a civil penalty be sent by the Board by email, text message, or other electronic means. (2011, c. 566; 2015, c. 412.)
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 412 added the subsection A designation and added subsections B and C.
§ 4.1-102.
Repealed by Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 3, effective July 1, 2018.
Editor's note. - Former § 4.1-102 , which pertained to membership of Board, derived from Code 1950, § 4-4; 1970, c. 756; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1974, c. 460; 1976, c. 64; 1993, c. 866.
§ 4.1-103. (Effective until January 1, 2022) General powers of Board.
The Board shall have the power to:
- Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts;
- Adopt, use, and alter at will a common seal;
- Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the use of property of, the sale of products of, or services rendered by the Authority at rates to be determined by the Authority for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority;
- Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this title, including agreements with any person or federal agency;
- Employ, at its discretion, consultants, researchers, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and special agents as may be necessary and fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority. Legal services for the Authority shall be provided by the Attorney General in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 2.2-500 et seq.) of Title 2.2;
- Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association, or person grants or other aid to be expended in accomplishing the objectives of the Authority, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state and any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof or from any other source aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law, and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth;
- Adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the powers of the Authority shall be exercised and its duties performed. The Board may delegate or assign any duty or task to be performed by the Authority to any officer or employee of the Authority. The Board shall remain responsible for the performance of any such duties or tasks. Any delegation pursuant to this subdivision shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by written guidelines for the exercise of the duties or tasks delegated. Where appropriate, the guidelines shall require that the Board receive summaries of actions taken. Such delegation or assignment shall not relieve the Board of the responsibility to ensure faithful performance of the duties and tasks;
- Conduct or engage in any lawful business, activity, effort, or project consistent with the Authority's purposes or necessary or convenient to exercise its powers;
- Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services, and construction, based upon competitive principles;
- Develop policies and procedures consistent with Article 4 (§ 2.2-4347 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2;
- Buy, import and sell alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, and to have alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries in its possession for sale;
- Buy and sell any mixers;
- Buy and sell products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation that are within international trademark classes 16 (paper goods and printer matters), 18 (leather goods), 21 (housewares and glass), and 25 (clothing);
- Control the possession, sale, transportation and delivery of alcoholic beverages;
- Determine, subject to § 4.1-121 , the localities within which government stores shall be established or operated and the location of such stores;
- Maintain warehouses for alcoholic beverages and control the storage and delivery of alcoholic beverages to and from such warehouses;
- Acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority; lease as lessee any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board; lease as lessor to any person any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board; sell, transfer, or convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the Authority on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board; and occupy and improve any land or building required for the purposes of this title;
- Purchase or otherwise acquire title to any land or building required for the purposes of this title and sell and convey the same by proper deed, with the consent of the Governor;
- Purchase, lease or acquire the use of, by any manner, any plant or equipment which may be considered necessary or useful in carrying into effect the purposes of this title, including rectifying, blending and processing plants. The Board may purchase, build, lease, and operate distilleries and manufacture alcoholic beverages;
- Determine the nature, form and capacity of all containers used for holding alcoholic beverages to be kept or sold under this title, and prescribe the form and content of all labels and seals to be placed thereon; however, no container sold in or shipped into the Commonwealth shall include powdered or crystalline alcohol;
- Appoint every agent and employee required for its operations; require any or all of them to give bonds payable to the Commonwealth in such penalty as shall be fixed by the Board; and engage the services of experts and professionals;
- Hold and conduct hearings; issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, memoranda, papers and other documents before the Board or any agent of the Board; and administer oaths and take testimony thereunder. The Board may authorize any Board member or agent of the Board to hold and conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, administer oaths and take testimony thereunder, and decide cases, subject to final decision by the Board, on application of any party aggrieved. The Board may enter into consent agreements and may request and accept from any applicant or licensee a consent agreement in lieu of proceedings on (i) objections to the issuance of a license or (ii) disciplinary action. Any such consent agreement shall include findings of fact and may include an admission or a finding of a violation. A consent agreement shall not be considered a case decision of the Board and shall not be subject to judicial review under the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), but may be considered by the Board in future disciplinary proceedings;
- Make a reasonable charge for preparing and furnishing statistical information and compilations to persons other than (i) officials, including court and police officials, of the Commonwealth and of its subdivisions if the information requested is for official use and (ii) persons who have a personal or legal interest in obtaining the information requested if such information is not to be used for commercial or trade purposes;
- Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) and § 4.1-111 ;
- Grant, suspend, and revoke licenses for the manufacture, bottling, distribution, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages;
- Assess and collect civil penalties and civil charges for violations of this title and Board regulations;
- Maintain actions to enjoin common nuisances as defined in § 4.1-317 ;
- Establish minimum food sale requirements for all retail licensees;
- Review and approve any proposed legislative or regulatory changes suggested by the Chief Executive Officer as the Board deems appropriate;
- Report quarterly to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security on the law-enforcement activities undertaken to enforce the provisions of this title; and
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Do all acts necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of this title.
(Code 1950, § 4-7; 1974, c. 460; 1982, c. 647; 1984, c. 200; 1993, c. 866; 1996, c. 558; 2015, cc. 25, 38, 730, 735; 2016, c. 21; 2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-103 .
Cross references. - As to Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Tourism Authority Act, see § 2.2-2315 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2017, cc, 698 and 707, cl. 5 provides: "That prior to July 1, 2018, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the Department) shall enter into an operating agreement whereby employees and special agents of the Department are authorized to exercise the powers and duties conferred by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board that are incidental to their employment or agency with the Department and conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Authority in accordance with § 4.1-103 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act."
Acts 2019, cc. 810 and 811, cl. 2 provides: "That notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Board of Directors (the Board) of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall have the power to employ or retain in-house legal counsel to advise or represent the Authority in hearings, controversies, or other matters involving the interests of the Authority; however, upon request by the Board, the Attorney General shall provide legal services for the Authority in accordance with Chapter 5 ( § 2.2-500 et seq.) of Title 2.2."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 25 and 735, effective April 15, 2015, are identical and in subdivision 9, inserted "however, no container sold in or shipped into the Commonwealth shall include powdered or crystalline alcohol" at the end.
The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and added subdivisions 1 through 10 and 28 and 29 and renumbered the remaining subdivisions accordingly; rewrote subdivision 16, which read "Lease, occupy and improve any land or building required for the purposes of this title"; and made minor stylistic changes.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 21 added subdivision 3 and renumbered remaining subdivisions accordingly.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707 are identical, and in subdivision 5, inserted "special" preceding "agents"; in subdivision 7, added the last five sentences; and in subdivision 22, substituted "decide cases" for "make summary decisions" and added the last three sentences.
CASE NOTES
Constitutionality. - Virginia's ban on the direct shipment of wine to Virginia consumers from out-of-state entities, not only permits, but encourages, direct shipment to consumers by in-state wineries and farm wineries; Thus, the ban violates the dormant commerce clause and is unconstitutional. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11118 (E.D. Va. 2001), modified and approved, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
No deference to hearing officer's punishment decision. - This section specifically grants the Board the power to grant, suspend, and revoke licenses. No condition is placed on this power. Therefore, there was no support for argument that the Board owed some degree of deference to the hearing officer's determination of punishment. Paradox Corp. v. Virginia ABC Bd., No. 2333-94-1 (Ct. of Appeals May 16, 1995).
Immunity of members. - Scrutiny of the functions and duties of the members of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission [now Board] and those designated by the Commission [now Board] to conduct hearings leads to the conclusion that the grant of absolute immunity from actions for damages, when they are performing in their adjudicatory capacities, is essential for the conduct of their affairs. Hamm v. Yeatts, 479 F. Supp. 267 (W.D. Va. 1979) (decided under prior law).
No authority over land use and zoning. - Circuit court did not err in its determination that the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board exceeded its authority in granting a farm winery license to a farmer because the ABC Board lacked authority to determine whether a county ordinance was unreasonable; nothing in the statute granted the ABC Board any authority over land use and zoning, and a municipality, not the ABC Board, had authority over zoning. Va. Alcoholic Bev. v. Bd. of Supervisors, No. 0265-18-4, 2018 Va. App. LEXIS 311 (Nov. 6, 2018).
Circuit court did not err in finding that the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) exceeded its authority in determining that a county ordinance was unreasonable because the reasonableness of the five-acre lot requirement was an issue for the courts, not the ABC Board; the ABC Board lacked authority to adjudicate the reasonableness of the zoning ordinance. Va. Alcoholic Bev. v. Bd. of Supervisors, No. 0265-18-4, 2018 Va. App. LEXIS 311 (Nov. 6, 2018).
CIRCUIT COURT OPINIONS
Board properly suspended license. - Where an underage person bought alcohol from a company when the corporation knew, or had reason to know, the purchaser was under 21, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board did not abuse discretion suspending the company's liquor license. Brabham Petroleum Co. v. Va. Alcoholic Bev. Control Bd., 61 Va. Cir. 36, 2003 Va. Cir. LEXIS 6 (Roanoke 2003).
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
"Brand name." - Title 4.1 does not define "brand name," nor has the Board defined this term in its regulations. In the context of wine labels, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority appears to be using the term "brand name" synonymously with the term "brand," as that term is defined by the Virginia Code. See opinion of Attorney General to Honorable Richard L. Saslaw, Member, Senate of Virginia, 18-061, 2019 Va. AG LEXIS 32 (11/15/19).
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority guidance documents should not deem every change on a label to constitute a new brand in a manner that is contrary to the statutory definition of "brand" or that is contrary to regulations promulgated by the ABC Board. See opinion of Attorney General to Honorable Richard L. Saslaw, Member, Senate of Virginia, 18-061, 2019 Va. AG LEXIS 32 (11/15/19).
§ 4.1-103. (Effective January 1, 2022) General powers of Board.
The Board shall have the power to:
- Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts;
- Adopt, use, and alter at will a common seal;
- Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the use of property of, the sale of products of, or services rendered by the Authority at rates to be determined by the Authority for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority;
- Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this title, including agreements with any person or federal agency;
- Employ, at its discretion, consultants, researchers, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and special agents as may be necessary and fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority. Legal services for the Authority shall be provided by the Attorney General in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 2.2-500 et seq.) of Title 2.2;
- Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association, or person grants or other aid to be expended in accomplishing the objectives of the Authority, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state and any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof or from any other source aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law, and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth;
- Adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the powers of the Authority shall be exercised and its duties performed. The Board may delegate or assign any duty or task to be performed by the Authority to any officer or employee of the Authority. The Board shall remain responsible for the performance of any such duties or tasks. Any delegation pursuant to this subdivision shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by written guidelines for the exercise of the duties or tasks delegated. Where appropriate, the guidelines shall require that the Board receive summaries of actions taken. Such delegation or assignment shall not relieve the Board of the responsibility to ensure faithful performance of the duties and tasks;
- Conduct or engage in any lawful business, activity, effort, or project consistent with the Authority's purposes or necessary or convenient to exercise its powers;
- Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services, and construction, based upon competitive principles;
- Develop policies and procedures consistent with Article 4 (§ 2.2-4347 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2;
- Buy, import and sell alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, and to have alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries in its possession for sale;
- Buy and sell any mixers;
- Buy and sell products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation that are within international trademark classes 16 (paper goods and printer matters), 18 (leather goods), 21 (housewares and glass), and 25 (clothing);
- Control the possession, sale, transportation, and delivery of alcoholic beverages;
- Determine, subject to § 4.1-121 , the localities within which government stores shall be established or operated and the location of such stores;
- Maintain warehouses for alcoholic beverages and control the storage and delivery of alcoholic beverages to and from such warehouses;
- Acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority; lease as lessee any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board; lease as lessor to any person any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board; sell, transfer, or convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the Authority on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board; and occupy and improve any land or building required for the purposes of this title;
- Purchase, lease, or acquire the use of, by any manner, any plant or equipment that may be considered necessary or useful in carrying into effect the purposes of this title, including rectifying, blending, and processing plants. The Board may purchase, build, lease, and operate distilleries and manufacture alcoholic beverages;
- Determine the nature, form and capacity of all containers used for holding alcoholic beverages to be kept or sold under this title, and prescribe the form and content of all labels and seals to be placed thereon; however, no container sold in or shipped into the Commonwealth shall include powdered or crystalline alcohol;
- Appoint every agent and employee required for its operations; require any or all of them to give bonds payable to the Commonwealth in such penalty as shall be fixed by the Board; and engage the services of experts and professionals;
- Hold and conduct hearings; issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, memoranda, papers and other documents before the Board or any agent of the Board; and administer oaths and take testimony thereunder. The Board may authorize any Board member or agent of the Board to hold and conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, administer oaths and take testimony thereunder, and decide cases, subject to final decision by the Board, on application of any party aggrieved. The Board may enter into consent agreements and may request and accept from any applicant or licensee a consent agreement in lieu of proceedings on (i) objections to the issuance of a license or (ii) disciplinary action. Any such consent agreement shall include findings of fact and may include an admission or a finding of a violation. A consent agreement shall not be considered a case decision of the Board and shall not be subject to judicial review under the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), but may be considered by the Board in future disciplinary proceedings;
- Make a reasonable charge for preparing and furnishing statistical information and compilations to persons other than (i) officials, including court and police officials, of the Commonwealth and of its subdivisions if the information requested is for official use and (ii) persons who have a personal or legal interest in obtaining the information requested if such information is not to be used for commercial or trade purposes;
- Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) and § 4.1-111 ;
- Grant, suspend, and revoke licenses for the manufacture, bottling, distribution, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages;
- Assess and collect civil penalties and civil charges for violations of this title and Board regulations;
- Maintain actions to enjoin common nuisances as defined in § 4.1-317 ;
- Establish minimum food sale requirements for all retail licensees;
- Review and approve any proposed legislative or regulatory changes suggested by the Chief Executive Officer as the Board deems appropriate;
- Report quarterly to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security on the law-enforcement activities undertaken to enforce the provisions of this title;
- Establish and collect fees for all permits set forth in this title, including fees associated with applications for such permits;
- Impose a requirement that a mixed beverage restaurant licensee located on the premises of and operated by a casino gaming establishment pay for any cost incurred by the Board to enforce such license in excess of the applicable state license fee; and
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Do all acts necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of this title.
(Code 1950, § 4-7; 1974, c. 460; 1982, c. 647; 1984, c. 200; 1993, c. 866; 1996, c. 558; 2015, cc. 25, 38, 730, 735; 2016, c. 21; 2017, cc. 698, 707; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-103 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 9 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act. The Board's initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act ( § 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), except that the Board shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the regulations prior to adoption."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and deleted subdivision 18 which read: "Purchase or otherwise acquire title to any land or building required for the purposes of this title and sell and convey the same by proper deed, with the consent of the Governor" and renumbered accordingly; inserted subdivisions 30 and 31 and renumbered accordingly and made stylistic changes.
§ 4.1-103.01. Additional powers; access to certain tobacco sales records; inspections; penalty.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3 or any other provision of law, the Tax Commissioner shall provide to the Board the name, address, and other identifying information within his possession of all wholesale cigarette dealers.
- All invoices, books, papers or other memoranda and records concerning the sale of cigarettes maintained by wholesale cigarette dealers pursuant to § 58.1-1007 shall be subject to inspection during normal business hours by special agents of the Board. Any person who, upon request by a special agent, unreasonably fails or refuses to allow an inspection of the records authorized by this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
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The Board may use the information obtained from the Tax Commissioner or by the inspections authorized by subsection B only for the purpose of creating and maintaining a list of retail dealers to facilitate enforcement of the laws governing the sale of tobacco products to minors. Neither the Board nor any special agent shall divulge any information provided by the Tax Commissioner or obtained in the performance of the inspections authorized by subsection B to anyone other than to another special agent. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
(1998, cc. 189, 364.)
Cross references. - As to punishment for Class 2 misdemeanors, see § 18.2-11 .
§ 4.1-103.02. Additional powers; substance abuse prevention; Virginia Institutions of Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee established.
It shall be the responsibility of the Board to administer a substance abuse prevention program within the Commonwealth and to (i) coordinate substance abuse prevention activities of agencies of the Commonwealth in such program, (ii) review substance abuse prevention program expenditures by agencies of the Commonwealth, and (iii) determine the direction and appropriateness of such expenditures. The Board shall cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies, private and public agencies, interested organizations, and individuals in order to prevent substance abuse within the Commonwealth. The Board shall report annually by December 1 of each year to the Governor and the General Assembly on the substance abuse prevention activities of the Commonwealth.
The Board shall also establish and appoint members to the Virginia Institutions of Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). The goal of the Advisory Committee shall be to develop and update a statewide strategic plan for substance use education, prevention, and intervention at Virginia's public and private institutions of higher education. The strategic plan shall (a) incorporate the use of best practices, which may include, but not be limited to, student-led peer-to-peer education and college or other institution of higher education recovery programs; (b) provide for the collection of statewide data from all institutions of higher education on student alcohol and substance use; (c) assist institutions of higher education in developing their individual strategic plans by providing networking and training resources and materials; and (d) develop and maintain reporting guidelines for use by institutions of higher education in their individual strategic plans.
The Advisory Committee shall consist of representatives from Virginia's public and private institutions of higher education, including students and directors of student health, and such other members as the Board may deem appropriate. The Advisory Committee's membership shall be broadly representative of individuals from both public and private institutions of higher education.
The Advisory Committee shall submit an annual report on its activities to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before December 1 each year.
(2012, cc. 803, 835; 2018, cc. 210, 211.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 103, enacted this section, effective July 1, 2012.
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551, cl. 17 provides: "That the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security shall convene a work group with all appropriate state agencies and authorities to develop a plan for identifying and collecting data that can determine the use and misuse of marijuana in order to determine appropriate policies and programs to promote public health and safety. The plan shall include marijuana-related data regarding (i) poison control center calls; (ii) hospital and emergency room visits; (iii) impaired driving; (iv) use rates, including heavy or frequent use, mode of use, and demographic information for vulnerable populations, including youth and pregnant women; and (v) treatment rates for cannabis use disorder and any other diseases related to marijuana use. The plan shall detail the categories for which each data source will be collected, including the region where the individual lives or the incident occurred and the age and the race or ethnicity of the individual. The plan shall also include the means by which initial data will be collected as soon as practicable as a benchmark prior to or as soon as possible after the effective date of an act legalizing marijuana for adult use, the plan for regular collection of such data thereafter, and the cost of the initial and ongoing collection of such data. The plan shall also recommend a timetable and determine the cost for analyzing and reporting the data. The work group, in consultation with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shall also recommend metrics to identify disproportionate impacts of marijuana legalization, if any, to include discrimination in the Commonwealth's cannabis industry. The work group shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1, 2021. The provisions of this enactment shall become effective in due course."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551, cl. 18 provides: "That the Virginia Department of Education (the Department), with assistance from appropriate agencies, local school divisions, and appropriate experts, shall implement a plan to ensure that teachers have access to sufficient information, resources, and lesson ideas to assist them in teaching about the harms of marijuana use among the youth and about substance abuse, as provided in the 2020 Health Standards of Learning. The Department shall (i) review resources currently provided to teachers to determine if additional or updated material or lesson ideas are needed and (ii) provide or develop any additional materials and resources deemed necessary and make the same available to teachers by January 1, 2024. The provisions of this enactment shall become effective in due course."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551, cl. 19 provides: "That the Secretary of Education, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Education, shall develop a plan for introducing teachers, particularly those teaching health, to the information and resources available to them to assist them in teaching the 2020 Health Standards of Learning as it relates to marijuana use. Such plan shall include providing professional development webinars as soon as practicable, as well as ongoing periodic professional development relating to marijuana, as well as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as appropriate. The plan shall include the estimated cost of implementation and any potential source of funds to cover such cost and shall be submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1, 2021. The provisions of this enactment shall become effective in due course."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551, cl. 20 provides: "That the Secretary of Education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Virginia Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall work with existing collegiate recovery programs to determine what, if any, additional evidence-based efforts should be undertaken for college-age individuals to promote education and prevention strategies relating to marijuana. The plan shall include the estimated cost of implementation and any potential source of funds to cover such cost and shall be submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1, 2021. The provisions of this enactment shall become effective in due course."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551, cl. 21 provides: "That, effective July 1, 2021, the Regulations Governing Pharmaceutical Processors (18VAC110-60) as promulgated or amended thereafter by the Board of Pharmacy (the Board) shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be administered by the Board of Pharmacy until the Board of Directors of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (the Authority) promulgates regulations pursuant to the tenth enactment of this act and no later than July 1, 2023. The Board shall provide assistance to the Board of Directors of the Authority in promulgating regulations by July 1, 2023. The provisions of this enactment shall become effective in due course."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551, cl. 22 provides: "That there shall be established a Cannabis Oversight Commission (the Commission), which shall consist of 10 members of the General Assembly. Members shall be appointed as follows: six members of the House of Delegates who are members of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee for Courts of Justice, or the House Committee on General Laws to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates and four members of the Senate who are members of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, or the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. The Commission shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership; however, the chairman and vice-chairman shall not both be members of the House of Delegates, nor shall both the chairman and vice-chairman be members of the Senate. No recommendation of the Commission shall be adopted if a majority of the House members or a majority of the Senate members appointed to the Commission (i) vote against the recommendation and (ii) vote for the recommendation to fail notwithstanding the majority vote of the Commission. The Commission shall exercise the function of overseeing the implementation of the provisions of this act and shall convene regularly in the exercise of that function. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (the Authority) shall report to the Commission at the Commission's request. The Commission shall expire on January 1, 2024. The provisions of this enactment shall become effective in due course."
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendments by cc. 210 and 211 are identical, and added the second, third, and fourth paragraphs.
§ 4.1-103.03. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Additional powers; mediation; alternative dispute resolution; confidentiality.
- As used in this section: "Appropriate case" means any alleged license violation or objection to the application for a license in which it is apparent that there are significant issues of disagreement among interested persons and for which the Board finds that the use of a mediation or dispute resolution proceeding is in the public interest. "Dispute resolution proceeding" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-576.4 . "Mediation" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-576.4 . "Neutral" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-576.4.
- The Board may use mediation or a dispute resolution proceeding in appropriate cases to resolve underlying issues or reach a consensus or compromise on contested issues. Mediation and other dispute resolution proceedings as authorized by this section shall be voluntary procedures that supplement, rather than limit, other dispute resolution techniques available to the Board. Mediation or a dispute resolution proceeding may be used for an objection to the issuance of a license only with the consent of, and participation by, the applicant for licensure and shall be terminated at the request of such applicant.
- Any resolution of a contested issue accepted by the Board under this section shall be considered a consent agreement as provided in subdivision 22 of § 4.1-103 . The decision to use mediation or a dispute resolution proceeding is in the Board's sole discretion and shall not be subject to judicial review.
- The Board may adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), for the implementation of this section. Such rules and regulations may include (i) standards and procedures for the conduct of mediation and dispute resolution proceedings, including an opportunity for interested persons identified by the Board to participate in the proceeding; (ii) the appointment and function of a neutral to encourage and assist parties to voluntarily compromise or settle contested issues; and (iii) procedures to protect the confidentiality of papers, work products, or other materials.
- The provisions of § 8.01-576.10 concerning the confidentiality of a mediation or dispute resolution proceeding shall govern all such proceedings held pursuant to this section except where the Board uses or relies on information obtained in the course of such proceeding in granting a license, suspending or revoking a license, or accepting payment of a civil penalty or investigative costs. However, a consent agreement signed by the parties shall not be confidential. (2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-103.03 .
§ 4.1-103.03. (Effective January 1, 2022) Additional powers; mediation; alternative dispute resolution; confidentiality.
- As used in this section: "Appropriate case" means any alleged license violation or objection to the application for a license in which it is apparent that there are significant issues of disagreement among interested persons and for which the Board finds that the use of a mediation or dispute resolution proceeding is in the public interest. "Dispute resolution proceeding" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-576.4 . "Mediation" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-576.4 . "Neutral" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-576.4.
- The Board may use mediation or a dispute resolution proceeding in appropriate cases to resolve underlying issues or reach a consensus or compromise on contested issues. Mediation and other dispute resolution proceedings as authorized by this section shall be voluntary procedures that supplement, rather than limit, other dispute resolution techniques available to the Board. Mediation or a dispute resolution proceeding may be used for an objection to the issuance of a license only with the consent of, and participation by, the applicant for licensure and shall be terminated at the request of such applicant.
- Any resolution of a contested issue accepted by the Board under this section shall be considered a consent agreement as provided in subdivision 21 of § 4.1-103 . The decision to use mediation or a dispute resolution proceeding is in the Board's sole discretion and shall not be subject to judicial review.
- The Board may adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), for the implementation of this section. Such rules and regulations may include (i) standards and procedures for the conduct of mediation and dispute resolution proceedings, including an opportunity for interested persons identified by the Board to participate in the proceeding; (ii) the appointment and function of a neutral to encourage and assist parties to voluntarily compromise or settle contested issues; and (iii) procedures to protect the confidentiality of papers, work products, or other materials.
- The provisions of § 8.01-576.10 concerning the confidentiality of a mediation or dispute resolution proceeding shall govern all such proceedings held pursuant to this section except where the Board uses or relies on information obtained in the course of such proceeding in granting a license, suspending or revoking a license, or accepting payment of a civil penalty or investigative costs. However, a consent agreement signed by the parties shall not be confidential. (2017, cc. 698, 707; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-103.03 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and substituted "subdivision 21" for "subdivision 22" in subsection C in the first sentence.
§ 4.1-103.1. Criminal history records check required on certain employees; reimbursement of costs.
All persons hired by the Authority whose job duties involve access to or handling of the Authority's funds or merchandise shall be subject to a criminal history records check before, and as a condition of, employment.
The Board shall develop policies regarding the employment of persons who have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
The Department of State Police shall be reimbursed by the Authority for the cost of investigations conducted pursuant to this section.
(1994, c. 34; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 698, 707.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and substituted "Persons" for "On or after July 1, 1994, all persons," "Authority" for "Board" and "the Authority's" for "departmental" in the first paragraph; added the second paragraph; and in the third paragraph, substituted "Authority" for "Board."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 698 and 707 are identical, and in the second paragraph, substituted "The Board shall develop policies regarding the employment of persons who have" for "No person who has" and deleted "shall be employed or appointed by the Authority" following "moral turpitude."
§ 4.1-104. Purchases by the Board.
The purchasing of alcoholic beverages and mixers, products used in connection with distilled spirits intended for resale, or products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation as specified in § 4.1-103 intended for resale, the making of leases, and the purchasing of real estate by the Board under the provisions of this title are exempt from the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.).
(Code 1950, § 4-18; 1993, c. 866; 1996, c. 558; 2008, c. 135; 2016, c. 21.)
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 135 inserted "products used in connection with distilled spirits intended for resale."
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 21 inserted "or products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation as specified in § 4.1-103 intended for resale."
§ 4.1-105. Police power of members, agents and employees of Board.
Members of the Board are vested, and such agents and employees of the Board designated by it shall be vested, with like power to enforce the provisions of (i) this title and the criminal laws of the Commonwealth as is vested in the chief law-enforcement officer of a county, city, or town; (ii) § 3.2-4207; (iii) § 18.2-371.2 ; and (iv) § 58.1-1037 .
(Code 1950, § 4-8; 1993, c. 866; 1997, cc. 812, 882; 2000, cc. 880, 901; 2006, c. 695.)
Editor's note. - At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, Title 3.1 references were changed to Title 3.2 references to conform to Acts 2008, c. 860.
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendments by cc. 880 and 901 are identical, and deleted "and" preceding "(i)" and added "and (iii) § 58.1-1037 ."
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 695 added clause (ii) and redesignated former clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii) and (iv).
§ 4.1-106. Liability of Board members; suits by and against Board.
- No Board member may be sued civilly for doing or omitting to do any act in the performance of his duties as prescribed by this title, except by the Commonwealth, and then only in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond. Such proceedings by the Commonwealth shall be instituted and conducted by the Attorney General.
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The Board may, in the name of the Commonwealth, be sued in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond to enforce any contract made by it or to recover damages for any breach thereof. The Board may defend the proceedings and may institute proceedings in any court. No such proceedings shall be taken against, or in the names of, the members of the Board.
(Code 1950, § 4-12; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-107. Counsel for members, agents and employees of Board.
If any member, agent, or employee of the Board shall be arrested, indicted or otherwise prosecuted on any charge arising out of any act committed in the discharge of his official duties, the Board chairman may employ special counsel approved by the Attorney General to defend such member, agent, or employee. The compensation for special counsel employed pursuant to this section, shall, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, be paid in the same manner as other expenses incident to the administration of this title are paid.
(Code 1950, § 4-20; 1958, c. 542; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-108. Hearings; representation by counsel.
Any licensee or applicant for any license granted by the Board shall have the right to be represented by counsel at any Board hearing for which he has received notice. The licensee or applicant shall not be required to be represented by counsel during such hearing. Any officer or director of a corporation may examine, cross-examine and question witnesses; present evidence on behalf of the corporation; and draw conclusions and make arguments before the Board or hearing officers without being in violation of the provisions of § 54.1-3904 .
(1989, c. 266, § 4-10.1; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-109. Hearings; allowances to witnesses.
Witnesses subpoenaed to appear on behalf of the Board shall be entitled to the same allowance for expenses as witnesses for the Commonwealth in criminal cases in accordance with § 17.1-611 . Such allowances shall be paid out of the fund from which other costs incurred by the Board are paid upon certification to the Comptroller.
(Code 1950, § 4-10; 1954, c. 709; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-110. Purchase orders of Board for alcoholic beverages.
- Every order of the Board for the purchase of alcoholic beverages shall be authenticated by the chairman or by a member or agent of the Board, authorized by the Board to authenticate such orders. No order shall be binding unless so authenticated.
- A duplicate of every such order shall be kept on file in the office of the Board in accordance with retention regulations established pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.).
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All cancellations of orders made by the Board shall be authenticated in the same manner and a duplicate kept as required by subsection B.
(Code 1950, § 4-17; 1972, c. 138; 1984, c. 469; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-111. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Regulations of Board.
- The Board may promulgate reasonable regulations, not inconsistent with this title or the general laws of the Commonwealth, which it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this title and to prevent the illegal manufacture, bottling, sale, distribution and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The Board may amend or repeal such regulations. Such regulations shall be promulgated, amended or repealed in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) and shall have the effect of law.
-
The Board shall promulgate regulations that:
- Prescribe what hours and on what days alcoholic beverages shall not be sold by licensees or consumed on any licensed premises, including a provision that mixed beverages may be sold only at such times as wine and beer may be sold.
- Require mixed beverage caterer licensees to notify the Board in advance of any event to be served by such licensee.
- Maintain the reasonable separation of retailer interests from those of the manufacturers, bottlers, brokers, importers and wholesalers in accordance with § 4.1-216 and in consideration of the established trade customs, quantity and value of the articles or services involved; prevent undue competitive domination of any person by any other person engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale at retail or wholesale of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth; and promote reasonable accommodation of arm's length business transactions.
- Establish requirements for the form, content, and retention of all records and accounts, including the (i) reporting and collection of taxes required by § 4.1-236 and (ii) the sale of alcoholic beverages in kegs, by all licensees.
- Require retail licensees to file an appeal from any hearing decision rendered by a hearing officer within 30 days of the date the notice of the decision is sent. The notice shall be sent to the licensee at the address on record with the Board by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which persons who collect or trade designer or vintage spirit bottles may sell such bottles at auction, provided that (i) the auction is conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6 (§ 54.1-600 et seq.) of Title 54.1 and (ii) the bottles are unopened and the manufacturers' seals, marks, or stamps affixed to the bottles are intact.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which credit or debit cards may be accepted from licensees for purchases at government stores, including provision for the collection, where appropriate, of related fees, penalties, and service charges.
- Require that banquet licensees in charge of public events as defined by Board regulations report to the Board the income and expenses associated with the public event on a form prescribed by the Board when the banquet licensee engages another person to organize, conduct or operate the event on behalf of the banquet licensee. Such regulations shall be applicable only to public events where alcoholic beverages are being sold.
- Provide alternative methods for licensees to maintain and store business records that are subject to Board inspection, including methods for Board-approved electronic and off-site storage.
- Require off-premises retail licensees to place any premixed alcoholic energy drinks containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume in the same location where wine and beer are available for sale within the licensed premises.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which mixed beverage licensees may infuse, store, and sell flavored distilled spirits, including a provision that limits infusion containers to a maximum of 20 liters.
- Prescribe the schedule of proration for refunded license taxes to licensees who qualify pursuant to subsection C of § 4.1-232 .
-
Establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages, not inconsistent with the provisions of this title, so that such advertising does not encourage or otherwise promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons to whom alcoholic beverages may not be lawfully sold. Such regulations shall:
- Restrict outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages in publicly visible locations consistent with (i) the general prohibition against tied interests between retail licensees and manufacturers or wholesale licensees as provided in §§ 4.1-215 and 4.1-216 ; (ii) the prohibition against manufacturer control of wholesale licensees as set forth in § 4.1-223 and Board regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and (iii) the general prohibition against cooperative advertising between manufacturers, wholesalers, or importers and retail licensees as set forth in Board regulation; and
- Permit (i) any outdoor signage or advertising not otherwise prohibited by this title and (ii) the display of outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising on lawfully erected billboard signs regulated under Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 where such signs are located on commercial real estate as defined in § 55.1-1100 , but only in accordance with this title.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which a licensed brewery may manufacture beer pursuant to an agreement with a brand owner not under common control with the manufacturing brewery and sell and deliver the beer so manufactured to the brand owner. The regulations shall require that (i) the brand owner be an entity appropriately licensed as a brewery or beer wholesaler, (ii) a written agreement be entered into by the parties, and (iii) records as deemed appropriate by the Board are maintained by the parties.
- Prescribe the terms for any "happy hour" conducted by on-premises licensees. Such regulations shall permit on-premises licensees to advertise any alcoholic beverage products featured during a happy hour and any pricing related to such happy hour. Such regulations shall not prohibit on-premises licensees from using creative marketing techniques in such advertisements, provided that such techniques do not tend to induce overconsumption or consumption by minors.
- Permit retail on-premises licensees to give a gift of one alcoholic beverage to a patron or one bottle of wine to a group of two or more patrons, provided that (i) such gifts only are made to individuals to whom such products may lawfully be sold and (ii) only one such gift is given during any 24-hour period and subject to any Board limitations on the frequency of such gifts.
- Permit the sale of beer and cider for off-premises consumption in resealable growlers made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other materials approved by the Board, or other resealable containers approved by the Board, with a maximum capacity of 128 fluid ounces or, for metric-sized containers, four liters.
- Permit the sale of wine for off-premises consumption in resealable growlers made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other materials approved by the Board, or other resealable containers approved by the Board, with a maximum capacity of 64 fluid ounces or, for metric-sized containers, two liters. Wine growlers may be used only by persons licensed to sell wine for both on-premises and off-premises consumption or by gourmet shop licensees. Growlers sold by gourmet shop licensees shall be labeled with (i) the manufacturer's name or trade name, (ii) the place of production, (iii) the net contents in fluid ounces, and (iv) the name and address of the retailer.
- Permit the sale of wine, cider, and beer by retailers licensed to sell beer and wine for both on-premises and off-premises consumption, or by gourmet shop licensees for off-premises consumption in sealed containers made of metal or other materials approved by the Board with a maximum capacity of 32 fluid ounces or, for metric-sized containers, one liter, provided that the alcoholic beverage is placed in the container following an order from the consumer.
- Permit mixed beverage licensees to premix containers of sangria and other mixed alcoholic beverages and to serve such alcoholic beverages in pitchers, subject to size and quantity limitations established by the Board.
- Establish and make available to all licensees and permittees for which on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed and employees of such licensees and permittees who serve as a bartender or otherwise sell, serve, or dispense alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption a bar bystander training module, which shall include (i) information that enables licensees, permittees, and their employees to recognize situations that may lead to sexual assault and (ii) intervention strategies to prevent such situations from culminating in sexual assault.
- Require mixed beverage licensees to have food, cooked or prepared on the licensed premises, available for on-premises consumption until at least 30 minutes prior to an establishment's closing. Such food shall be available in all areas of the licensed premises in which spirits are sold or served.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which the Board may suspend the privilege of a mixed beverage licensee to purchase spirits from the Board upon such licensee's failure to submit any records or other documents necessary to verify the licensee's compliance with applicable minimum food sale requirements within 30 days of the date such records or documents are due.
-
The Board may promulgate regulations that:
- Provide for the waiver of the license tax for an applicant for a banquet license, such waiver to be based on (i) the amount of alcoholic beverages to be provided by the applicant, (ii) the not-for-profit status of the applicant, and (iii) the condition that no profits are to be generated from the event. For the purposes of clause (ii), the applicant shall submit with the application, an affidavit certifying its not-for-profit status. The granting of such waiver shall be limited to two events per year for each applicant.
- Establish limitations on the quantity and value of any gifts of alcoholic beverages made in the course of any business entertainment pursuant to subdivision A 22 of § 4.1-325 or subsection C of § 4.1-325.2 .
- Provide incentives to licensees with a proven history of compliance with state and federal laws and regulations to encourage licensees to conduct their business and related activities in a manner that is beneficial to the Commonwealth.
- Board regulations shall be uniform in their application, except those relating to hours of sale for licensees.
- Courts shall take judicial notice of Board regulations.
-
The Board's power to regulate shall be broadly construed.
(Code 1950, §§ 4-11, 4-36; 1968, c. 7, §§ 4-98.5, 4-98.14; 1974, c. 460; 1982, c. 145; 1991, c. 690; 1992, c. 220; 1993, cc. 433, 866; 1997, c. 40; 1998, c. 301; 1999, cc. 98, 641; 2003, c. 856; 2008, c. 513; 2009, c. 122; 2010, c. 481; 2011, c. 728; 2012, cc. 376, 760, 818; 2015, cc. 404, 412; 2017, cc. 160, 743, 744; 2019, cc. 7, 29, 706.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-111 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, c. 433 amended former § 4-11, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, c. 433 has been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 433, former subsections (a) through (c) were redesignated as present subsections A through F and subsection C was added.
A reference in this section was updated at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission to conform to the recodification of Title 33.2 by Acts 2014, c. 805, effective October 1, 2014.
To conform to the recodification of Title 55 by Acts 2019, c. 712, effective October 1, 2019, the following substitution was made at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission: substituted "55.1-1100" for "55-526."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 1998 amendment added subdivision B 6.
The 1999 amendments. - The 1999 amendment by c. 98, effective March 15, 1999, in subdivision B 5, substituted "return" for "returned" and added subdivision B 7.
The 1999 amendment by c. 641 added subdivision B 8.
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 856 in subdivision 5, substituted "30" for "thirty"; added the subdivision C 1 designation; added subdivision C 2; and made minor stylistic changes.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 513 added subdivision B 9.
The 2009 amendments. - The 2009 amendment by c. 122 added subdivision B 10.
The 2010 amendments. - The 2010 amendment by c. 481 added subdivision B 11.
The 2011 amendments. - The 2011 amendment by c. 728, effective March 26, 2011, added subdivisions B 12 and 13.
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendment by c. 376 added subdivision B 14.
The 2012 amendments by cc. 760 and 818, effective April 18, 2012, are identical and deleted "and provided that no outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising shall be placed within 500 feet of a church or synagogue; public, private, or parochial school, college, or university; public or private playground or similar recreational facility; or residentially zoned property. Nothing in this subdivision b shall be construed to authorize outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising on property zoned agricultural or residential, or on any unzoned property. Nor shall this subdivision b be construed to authorize the erection of new outdoor advertising that would be prohibited under state law or local ordinance" at the end of B 13 b.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 404 inserted "including a provision that limits infusion containers to a maximum of 20 liters" at the end of subdivision B 11 and added subdivisions B 15 through B 20.
The 2015 amendment by c. 412 added subdivision C 3.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendment by c. 160 inserted "cider" in subdivision B 19.
The 2017 amendment by c. 743 added subdivision B 21.
The 2017 amendment by c. 744 added subdivision B 22.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 7 and 29 are identical, and in subdivision B 15, substituted "and any pricing" for "but prohibit the advertising of any pricing" in the first sentence and added the third sentence.
The 2019 amendment by c. 706 added subdivision B 23.
Law review. - For an article, "Administrative Procedure," see 31 U. Rich. L. Rev. 907 (1997).
For comment, "Citizens United vs. Central Hudson: A Rationale for Simplifying and Clarifying the First Amendment's Protections for Nonpolitical Advertisements," see 19 Geo. Mason L. Rev. 213 (2011).
For Essay, "The Grapes of Wrath: Encouraging Fruitful Collaborations Between Local Governments and Farm Wineries in the Commonwealth," see 48 U. Rich. L. Rev. 235 (2013).
For comment, "Commercial Speech Doctrine and Virginia's 'Thirsty Thursday' Ban," see 27 Geo. Mason U. Civ. Rts. L.J. 207 (2017).
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 7B M.J. Evidence, § 16.
Editor's note. - The cases noted below were decided under former § 4-11, now repealed, which covered the same subject matter as this section.
CASE NOTES
Intent of section. - Former § 4-11 and the regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (now Board) are intended to protect citizens of Virginia from the illicit delivery, sale, and transportation of ardent spirits. Dickerson v. Commonwealth, 181 Va. 313 , 24 S.E.2d 550 (1943), aff'd sub nom. Carter v. Virginia, 321 U.S. 131, 64 S. Ct. 464, 88 L. Ed. 605 (1944).
Judicial notice of government stamps. - The required government stamps prescribed under the law and regulations authorized by former § 4-11 may be judicially noted. Miller v. Commonwealth, 172 Va. 639 , 2 S.E.2d 343 (1939).
Judicial notice of regulations. - The manifest purpose of subsection (c) of former § 4-11 was to do away with the necessity of the Commonwealth introducing evidence to show due adoption of the regulations of the A.B.C. Commission (now Board). To require the Commonwealth to prove that the regulations were made, published and filed according to law before judicial notice could be taken of them would negative the purpose and effect of the subsection. Williams v. Commonwealth, 190 Va. 280 , 56 S.E.2d 537 (1949).
When certified in accordance with section. - The recitation of a certificate at the end of regulations of the A.B.C. Commission (now Board), that the requirements of this section had been complied with, covered the making and publishing of the regulations and due certification thereof to the clerks of the courts specified in subsection (a) of former § 4-11. Such regulations were entitled to be judicially noted although the clerk was unaware that they were in the clerk's office. Williams v. Commonwealth, 190 Va. 280 , 56 S.E.2d 537 (1949).
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
"Brand name." - Title 4.1 does not define "brand name," nor has the Board defined this term in its regulations. In the context of wine labels, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority appears to be using the term "brand name" synonymously with the term "brand," as that term is defined by the Virginia Code. See opinion of Attorney General to Honorable Richard L. Saslaw, Member, Senate of Virginia, 18-061, 2019 Va. AG LEXIS 32 (11/15/19).
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority guidance documents should not deem every change on a label to constitute a new brand in a manner that is contrary to the statutory definition of "brand" or that is contrary to regulations promulgated by the ABC Board. See opinion of Attorney General to Honorable Richard L. Saslaw, Member, Senate of Virginia, 18-061, 2019 Va. AG LEXIS 32 (11/15/19).
§ 4.1-111. (Effective January 1, 2022) Regulations of Board.
- The Board may promulgate reasonable regulations, not inconsistent with this title or the general laws of the Commonwealth, which it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this title and to prevent the illegal manufacture, bottling, sale, distribution, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The Board may amend or repeal such regulations. Such regulations shall be promulgated, amended or repealed in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) and shall have the effect of law.
-
The Board shall promulgate regulations that:
- Prescribe what hours and on what days alcoholic beverages shall not be sold by licensees or consumed on any licensed premises, including a provision that mixed beverages may be sold only at such times as wine and beer may be sold.
- Require mixed beverage caterer licensees to notify the Board in advance of any event to be served by such licensee.
- Maintain the reasonable separation of retailer interests from those of the manufacturers, bottlers, brokers, importers and wholesalers in accordance with § 4.1-216 and in consideration of the established trade customs, quantity and value of the articles or services involved; prevent undue competitive domination of any person by any other person engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale at retail or wholesale of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth; and promote reasonable accommodation of arm's length business transactions.
- Establish requirements for the form, content, and retention of all records and accounts, including the (i) reporting and collection of taxes required by § 4.1-236 and (ii) the sale of alcoholic beverages in kegs, by all licensees.
- Require retail licensees to file an appeal from any hearing decision rendered by a hearing officer within 30 days of the date the notice of the decision is sent. The notice shall be sent to the licensee at the address on record with the Board by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which persons who collect or trade designer or vintage spirit bottles may sell such bottles at auction, provided that (i) the auction is conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6 (§ 54.1-600 et seq.) of Title 54.1 and (ii) the bottles are unopened and the manufacturers' seals, marks, or stamps affixed to the bottles are intact.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which credit or debit cards may be accepted from licensees for purchases at government stores, including provision for the collection, where appropriate, of related fees, penalties, and service charges.
- Require that banquet licensees in charge of public events as defined by Board regulations report to the Board the income and expenses associated with the public event on a form prescribed by the Board when the banquet licensee engages another person to organize, conduct, or operate the event on behalf of the banquet licensee. Such regulations shall be applicable only to public events where alcoholic beverages are being sold.
- Provide alternative methods for licensees to maintain and store business records that are subject to Board inspection, including methods for Board-approved electronic and off-site storage.
- Require off-premises retail licensees to place any premixed alcoholic energy drinks containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume in the same location where wine and beer are available for sale within the licensed premises.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which mixed beverage licensees may infuse, store, and sell flavored distilled spirits, including a provision that limits infusion containers to a maximum of 20 liters.
- Prescribe the schedule of proration for refunded license taxes to licensees who qualify pursuant to subsection C of § 4.1-232 .
-
Establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages, not inconsistent with the provisions of this title, so that such advertising does not encourage or otherwise promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons to whom alcoholic beverages may not be lawfully sold. Such regulations shall:
- Restrict outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages in publicly visible locations consistent with (i) the general prohibition against tied interests between retail licensees and manufacturers or wholesale licensees as provided in §§ 4.1-215 and 4.1-216 ; (ii) the prohibition against manufacturer control of wholesale licensees as set forth in § 4.1-223 and Board regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and (iii) the general prohibition against cooperative advertising between manufacturers, wholesalers, or importers and retail licensees as set forth in Board regulation; and
- Permit (i) any outdoor signage or advertising not otherwise prohibited by this title and (ii) the display of outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising on lawfully erected billboard signs regulated under Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 where such signs are located on commercial real estate as defined in § 55.1-1100 , but only in accordance with this title.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which a licensed brewery may manufacture beer pursuant to an agreement with a brand owner not under common control with the manufacturing brewery and sell and deliver the beer so manufactured to the brand owner. The regulations shall require that (i) the brand owner be an entity appropriately licensed as a brewery or beer wholesaler, (ii) a written agreement be entered into by the parties, and (iii) records as deemed appropriate by the Board are maintained by the parties.
- Prescribe the terms for any "happy hour" conducted by on-premises licensees. Such regulations shall permit on-premises licensees to advertise any alcoholic beverage products featured during a happy hour and any pricing related to such happy hour. Such regulations shall not prohibit on-premises licensees from using creative marketing techniques in such advertisements, provided that such techniques do not tend to induce overconsumption or consumption by minors.
- Permit retail on-premises licensees to give a gift of one alcoholic beverage to a patron or one bottle of wine to a group of two or more patrons, provided that (i) such gifts only are made to individuals to whom such products may lawfully be sold and (ii) only one such gift is given during any 24-hour period and subject to any Board limitations on the frequency of such gifts.
- Permit the sale of beer and cider for off-premises consumption in resealable growlers made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other materials approved by the Board, or other resealable containers approved by the Board, with a maximum capacity of 128 fluid ounces or, for metric-sized containers, four liters.
- Permit the sale of wine for off-premises consumption in resealable growlers made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other materials approved by the Board, or other resealable containers approved by the Board, with a maximum capacity of 64 fluid ounces or, for metric-sized containers, two liters. Wine growlers may be used only by persons licensed to sell wine for both on-premises and off-premises consumption or by gourmet shops granted a retail off-premises wine and beer license. Growlers sold by gourmet shops shall be labeled with (i) the manufacturer's name or trade name, (ii) the place of production, (iii) the net contents in fluid ounces, and (iv) the name and address of the retailer.
- Permit the sale of wine, cider, and beer by retailers licensed to sell beer and wine for both on-premises and off-premises consumption, or by gourmet shops granted a retail off-premises wine and beer license for off-premises consumption in sealed containers made of metal or other materials approved by the Board with a maximum capacity of 32 fluid ounces or, for metric-sized containers, one liter, provided that the alcoholic beverage is placed in the container following an order from the consumer.
- Permit mixed beverage licensees to premix containers of sangria and other mixed alcoholic beverages and to serve such alcoholic beverages in pitchers, subject to size and quantity limitations established by the Board.
- Establish and make available to all licensees and permittees for which on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed and employees of such licensees and permittees who serve as a bartender or otherwise sell, serve, or dispense alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption a bar bystander training module, which shall include (i) information that enables licensees, permittees, and their employees to recognize situations that may lead to sexual assault and (ii) intervention strategies to prevent such situations from culminating in sexual assault.
- Require mixed beverage licensees to have food, cooked or prepared on the licensed premises, available for on-premises consumption until at least 30 minutes prior to an establishment's closing. Such food shall be available in all areas of the licensed premises in which spirits are sold or served.
- Prescribe the terms and conditions under which the Board may suspend the privilege of a mixed beverage licensee to purchase spirits from the Board upon such licensee's failure to submit any records or other documents necessary to verify the licensee's compliance with applicable minimum food sale requirements within 30 days of the date such records or documents are due.
-
The Board may promulgate regulations that:
- Provide for the waiver of the license tax for an applicant for a banquet license, such waiver to be based on (i) the amount of alcoholic beverages to be provided by the applicant, (ii) the not-for-profit status of the applicant, and (iii) the condition that no profits are to be generated from the event. For the purposes of clause (ii), the applicant shall submit with the application, an affidavit certifying its not-for-profit status. The granting of such waiver shall be limited to two events per year for each applicant.
- Establish limitations on the quantity and value of any gifts of alcoholic beverages made in the course of any business entertainment pursuant to subdivision A 22 of § 4.1-325 or subsection C of § 4.1-325.2 .
- Provide incentives to licensees with a proven history of compliance with state and federal laws and regulations to encourage licensees to conduct their business and related activities in a manner that is beneficial to the Commonwealth.
- Board regulations shall be uniform in their application, except those relating to hours of sale for licensees.
- Courts shall take judicial notice of Board regulations.
-
The Board's power to regulate shall be broadly construed.
(Code 1950, §§ 4-11, 4-36; 1968, c. 7, §§ 4-98.5, 4-98.14; 1974, c. 460; 1982, c. 145; 1991, c. 690; 1992, c. 220; 1993, cc. 433, 866; 1997, c. 40; 1998, c. 301; 1999, cc. 98, 641; 2003, c. 856; 2008, c. 513; 2009, c. 122; 2010, c. 481; 2011, c. 728; 2012, cc. 376, 760, 818; 2015, cc. 404, 412; 2017, cc. 160, 743, 744; 2019, cc. 7, 29, 706; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-111 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subdivision B 18, substituted "shops granted a retail off-premises wine and beer license" for "shop licensees" in the second sentence and "shops" for "shop licensees" in the last sentence; in subdivision B 19, substituted "shops granted a retail off-premises wine and beer license" for "shop licenses"; and made a stylistic change.
§ 4.1-112. Regulations relating to transportation of beer and wine coolers.
The Board may promulgate regulations relating to the transportation of beer and wine coolers through the Commonwealth, including a prohibition against the direct shipment of beer or wine coolers from points outside the Commonwealth to installations of the United States armed forces located within the Commonwealth for resale on such installation.
(1988, c. 261, § 4-144; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-112.1.
Repealed by Acts 2007, cc. 99 and 799, cl. 2.
Cross references. - For current provisions as to direct shipment of wine and beer for holders of shipper's licenses, see § 4.1-209.1 . As to regulation of delivery of wine and beer, see § 4.1-212.1 .
Editor's note. - Former § 4.1-112.1 , which authorized direct shipments of beer and wine for holders of wine and beer shippers' licenses and regulated such shipments, was derived from 2003, cc. 1029, 1030; 2006, c. 845.
§ 4.1-112.2. Outdoor advertising; limitations; variances; compliance with Title 33.2.
- No outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising shall be placed within 500 linear feet on the same side of the road, and parallel to such road, measured from the nearest edge of the sign face upon which the advertisement is placed to the nearest edge of a building or structure located on the real property of (i) a church, synagogue, mosque or other place of religious worship; (ii) a public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; (iii) a public or private playground or similar recreational facility; or (iv) a dwelling used for residential use.
- However, (i) if there is no building or structure on a playground or similar recreational facility, the measurement shall be from the nearest edge of the sign face upon which the advertisement is placed to the property line of such playground or similar recreational facility and (ii) if a public or private school providing grade K through 12 education is located across the road from a sign, the measurement shall be from the nearest edge of the sign face upon which the advertisement is placed to the nearest edge of a building or structure located on such real property across the road.
- If, at the time the advertisement was displayed, the advertisement was more than 500 feet from (i) a church, synagogue, mosque or other place of religious worship; (ii) a public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; (iii) a public or private playground or similar recreational facility; or (iv) a dwelling used for residential use, but the circumstances change such that the advertiser would otherwise be in violation of subsection A, the Board shall permit the advertisement to remain as displayed for the remainder of the term of any written advertising contract, but in no event more than one year from the date of the change in circumstances.
- The Board may grant a permit authorizing a variance from the distance requirements of this section upon a finding that the placement of alcoholic beverage advertising on a sign will not unduly expose children to alcoholic beverage advertising.
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Provided such signs are in compliance with local ordinances, the distance and zoning restrictions contained in this section shall not apply to:
- Signs placed by licensees upon the property on which the licensed premises are located; or
- Directional signs placed by manufacturers or wholesalers with advertising limited to trade names, brand names, the terms "distillery," "brewery," "farm winery," or "winery," and tour information.
- The distance and zoning restrictions contained in this section shall not apply to any sign that is included in the Integrated Directional Sign Program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation or its agents.
- Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize billboard signs containing outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising on property zoned agricultural or residential, or on any unzoned property. Nor shall this section be construed to authorize the erection of new billboard signs containing outdoor advertising that would be prohibited under state law or local ordinance.
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All lawfully erected outdoor alcoholic beverage signs shall comply with the provisions of this title, Board regulations, and Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Further, any outdoor alcoholic beverage directional sign located or to be located on highway rights of way shall also be governed by and comply with the Integrated Directional Sign Program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation or its agents.
(2012, cc. 760, 818.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2012, cc. 760 and 818, cl. 3 provides: "That an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage [April 18, 2012]."
References in this section were updated at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission to conform to the recodification of Title 33.2 by Acts 2014, c. 805, effective October 1, 2014.
At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, "or an institution of higher education" was substituted for "college, or university" in subsection A to conform to Acts 2016, c. 588.
At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, in subsection C, clause (ii), "or an institution of higher education" was substituted for "college, or university" to conform to Acts 2016, c. 588.
§ 4.1-113. Board not to regulate certain advertising in the interiors of retail establishments.
- The Board shall not regulate the use of advertising materials or decorations within the premises of a retail on-premises licensee (i) where such advertising materials or decorations cannot be seen from the street or roadway outside of the licensed establishment and (ii) if the retail establishment is located within an enclosed area with no street or roadway, where such advertising or decorations cannot be seen more than fifteen feet from the nearest window.
- This section shall not restrict the regulation of advertising materials or decorations containing references to an alcoholic beverage brand or manufacturer, except the Board shall not regulate such references contained in works of art.
- This section shall not restrict or deny the Board its authority pursuant to §§ 4.1-216 , 4.1-317 , and subdivisions 11, 12, 13, 16, and 21 of § 4.1-325 , nor shall this section authorize any manufacturer, bottler, wholesaler or importer of any alcoholic beverages to sell, rent, lend, buy for, or give to any retailer any advertising materials or decorations under any circumstances otherwise prohibited by law. (1981, c. 574, § 4-69.2; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-113.1. Outdoor advertising; compliance with Title 33.2.
All lawfully erected outdoor alcoholic beverage signs shall comply with the provisions of this title, Board regulations, and Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Further, any outdoor alcoholic beverage directional sign located or to be located on highway rights-of-way shall also be governed by and comply with the Integrated Directional Sign Program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation or its agents.
(2012, cc. 326, 618.)
Cross references. - As to adjustment or relocation of certain billboard signs, see § 33.2-1230.
Editor's note. - References in this section were updated at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission to conform to the recodification of Title 33.2 by Acts 2014, c. 805, effective October 1, 2014.
§ 4.1-114. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Annual review of operations of certain mixed beverage licensees.
The Board shall at least annually review the operations of each establishment holding a mixed beverage restaurant license and each person holding a caterer's license to determine whether during the preceding license year such licensee has met the food-beverage ratio required by § 4.1-210 . If not met, the license granted to such licensee may be suspended or revoked. If the license is revoked, no new license may be granted to the licensee with respect to such establishment or catering business for at least one year from the date of the revocation. For the purposes of this section and § 4.1-210 , "nonalcoholic beverage" shall not include any beverages, ice, water or other mixer served with an alcoholic beverage.
(1968, c. 7, § 4-98.7; 1980, c. 490; 1981, c. 565; 1986, c. 374; 1990, c. 402; 1993, c. 866.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-114 .
CASE NOTES
Discretion of Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. - Given that the statutes clearly permitted the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's license for failing to meet the required food-beverage ratio, the court of appeals could not ignore the plain statutory language, and it had to affirm the ABC Board's decision to exercise its discretion of issuing a penalty; the plain language of the relevant statutes clearly gave the ABC Board the discretion to impose the penalty. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
Discretion to deviate from guidelines. - Circuit court properly affirmed the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine because the ABC Board's majority opinion clearly recognized the ABC Board's broad discretion to deviate from its guidelines. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
Circuit court properly affirmed the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine because the ABC Board's imposition of the penalty did not lead to a patently absurd result; the ABC Board's decision was consistent with the plain letter of the law, and the lesser penalty imposed reflected its decision that the restaurant's violation of the food-beverage ratio was a relatively minor one. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
License suspended. - Circuit court properly upheld the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine for failure to comply because the ABC Board explained its reasoning for deviating from its guidelines, and acting within its discretion, it chose not to apply the substantial compliance doctrine and to impose a penalty, as it was permitted to do by the General Assembly. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
§ 4.1-114. (Effective January 1, 2022) Annual review of operations of certain mixed beverage licensees.
The Board shall at least annually review the operations of each establishment holding a mixed beverage restaurant license and each person holding a caterer's license to determine whether during the preceding license year such licensee has met the food-beverage ratio required by § 4.1-206.3 . If not met, the license granted to such licensee may be suspended or revoked. If the license is revoked, no new license may be granted to the licensee with respect to such establishment or catering business for at least one year from the date of the revocation. For the purposes of this section and § 4.1-206.3 , "nonalcoholic beverage" shall not include any beverages, ice, water or other mixer served with an alcoholic beverage.
(1968, c. 7, § 4-98.7; 1980, c. 490; 1981, c. 565; 1986, c. 374; 1990, c. 402; 1993, c. 866; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-114 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and substituted " § 4.1-206.3 " for " § 4.1-210 " twice.
§ 4.1-115. Reports and accounting systems of Board; auditing books and records.
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The Board shall make reports to the Governor as he may require covering the administration and enforcement of this title. Additionally, the Board shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 15 each year, which shall contain:
- A statement of the nature and amount of the business transacted by each government store during the year;
- A statement of the assets and liabilities of the Board, including a statement of income and expenses and such other financial statements and matters as may be necessary to show the result of the operations of the Board for the year;
- A statement showing the taxes collected under this title during the year;
- General information and remarks about the working of the alcoholic beverage control laws within the Commonwealth; and
- Any other information requested by the Governor.
- The Board shall maintain an accounting system in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and approved in accordance with § 2.2-803 .
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A regular postaudit shall be conducted of all accounts and transactions of the Board. An annual audit of a fiscal and compliance nature of the accounts and transactions of the Board shall be conducted by the Auditor of Public Accounts on or before October 1. The cost of the annual audit and postaudit examinations shall be borne by the Board. The Board may order such other audits as it deems necessary.
(Code 1950, § 4-13; 1984, c. 734; 1993, c. 866; 2004, c. 650; 2005, c. 633.)
The 2004 amendments. - The 2004 amendment by c. 650 deleted subsection C, which formerly read: "The annual report shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of § 2.2-1127"; and redesignated former subsection D as present subsection C.
The 2005 amendments. - The 2005 amendment by c. 633 substituted "December 15" for "October 1 of" in subsection A.
§ 4.1-116. Disposition of moneys collected by Board; creation of Enterprise Fund; reserve fund.
- All moneys collected by the Board shall be paid directly and promptly into the state treasury, or shall be deposited to the credit of the State Treasurer in a state depository, without any deductions on account of salaries, fees, costs, charges, expenses, refunds or claims of any description whatever, as required by § 2.2-1802 . All moneys so paid into the state treasury, less the net profits determined pursuant to subsection C, shall be set aside as and constitute an Enterprise Fund, subject to appropriation, for the payment of (i) the salaries and remuneration of the members, agents, and employees of the Board and (ii) all costs and expenses incurred in establishing and maintaining government stores and in the administration of the provisions of this title, including the purchasing, building, leasing and operation of distilleries and the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.
- The net profits derived under the provisions of this title shall be transferred by the Comptroller to the general fund of the state treasury quarterly, within fifty days after the close of each quarter or as otherwise provided in the appropriation act. As allowed by the Governor, the Board may deduct from the net profits quarterly a sum for the creation of a reserve fund not exceeding the sum of $2.5 million in connection with the administration of this title and to provide for the depreciation on the buildings, plants and equipment owned, held or operated by the Board.
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The term "net profits" as used in this section means the total of all moneys collected by the Board less all costs, expenses and charges authorized by this section.
(Code 1950, §§ 4-22, 4-23; 1960, c. 104; 1962, c. 385; 1964, c. 215; 1966, c. 431; 1968, c. 623; 1970, c. 727; 1972, cc. 138, 849; 1973, c. 349; 1974, c. 460; 1981, c. 514; 1982, c. 540; 1983, c. 427; 1984, c. 105; 1985, c. 222; 1993, c. 866.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, c. 1289, Item § 3-1.01 A 2 b, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 552, effective for the biennium ending June 30, 2022, provides: "Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-116 B, Code of Virginia, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority shall properly record the depreciation of all depreciable assets, including approved projects, property, plant and equipment. The State Comptroller shall be notified of the amount of depreciation costs recorded by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. However, such depreciation costs shall not be the basis for reducing the quarterly transfers needed to meet the estimated profits contained in this act."
§ 4.1-117. Disposition of net profits to localities.
When the moneys transferred quarterly or as otherwise provided in the appropriation act by the Comptroller to the general fund of the state treasury exceed the sum of $187,500, two-thirds of all moneys in excess of $187,500 shall be apportioned by the Comptroller and distributed quarterly within ten days following such transfer. Such payments shall be made by the Comptroller drawn on the Treasurer of Virginia to the several counties, cities, and towns of the Commonwealth, appropriated on the basis of the population of the respective counties, cities, and towns, according to the last preceding United States census. However, in the case of any town which came into existence in or about the year 1691 which is now the county seat of any county having a population of less than 45,000 but more than 40,000, and the boundaries of such town are not fixed, such portion of the moneys appropriated shall be based on an estimate of the population of such town made by the Center for Public Service. The judge of the circuit court of the county in which the town or city or greater part thereof seeking an increase under the provisions of this chapter is located may appoint two disinterested persons as commissioners, neither of whom shall reside in the county, city, or town which is the subject of the annexation proceedings. The commissioners so appointed shall determine the population of the territory annexed to the town or city as of the date of the last preceding United States census and report their findings to the court, and future distributions of the moneys allocated under the provisions of this chapter shall be made in accordance therewith. The Comptroller shall make no adjustments in his distribution of profits until the Secretary of the Commonwealth transmits to the Comptroller, pursuant to § 15.2-3209 , a copy of the court order granting the petition of annexation.
(Code 1950, § 4-22; 1960, c. 104; 1962, c. 385; 1964, c. 215; 1966, c. 431; 1968, c. 623; 1970, c. 727; 1972, c. 849; 1973, c. 349; 1974, c. 460; 1981, c. 514; 1982, c. 540; 1983, c. 427; 1984, c. 105; 1985, c. 222; 1993, c. 866.)
Cross references. - As to failure of county or city to comply with law on general reassessment of real estate, see § 58.1-3259 .
§ 4.1-118. Certain information not to be made public.
Neither the Board nor its employees shall divulge any information regarding (i) financial reports or records required pursuant to § 4.1-114 ; (ii) the purchase orders and invoices for beer and wine filed with the Board by wholesale beer and wine licensees; or (iii) beer and wine taxes collected from, refunded to, or adjusted for any person. The provisions of § 58.1-3 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to beer and wine taxes collected pursuant to this title and to purchase orders and invoices for beer and wine filed with the Board by wholesale beer and wine licensees.
Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the use or release of such information or documents by the Board to any governmental or law-enforcement agency, or when considering the granting, denial, revocation, or suspension of a license or permit, or the assessment of any penalty against a licensee or permittee.
Nor shall this section prohibit the Board or its employees from compiling and disseminating to any member of the public aggregate statistical information pertaining to (i) malt beverage excise tax collection as long as such information does not reveal or disclose excise tax collection from any identified licensee; (ii) the total quantities of wine sold or shipped into the Commonwealth by each out-of-state winery, distributor, or importer for resale in the Commonwealth by wholesale wine licensees collectively; (iii) the total amount of wine sales in the Commonwealth by wholesale wine licensees collectively; or (iv) the total amount of purchases or sales submitted by licensees as required pursuant to § 4.1-114 , provided such information does not identify the licensee.
(1988, c. 261, § 4-145; 1993, c. 866; 1994, c. 179.)
§ 4.1-119. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Operation of government stores.
- Subject to the provisions of §§ 4.1-121 and 4.1-122 , the Board may establish, maintain, and operate government stores for the sale of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, low alcohol beverage coolers, vermouth, mixers, products used in connection with distilled spirits, including any garnish or garnishment applied to the rim of a glass of distilled spirits, as may be approved by the Board from time to time, and products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation as specified in § 4.1-103 in such counties, cities, and towns considered advisable by the Board. The Board may discontinue any such store.
- With respect to the sale of wine or cider produced by farm wineries, the Board may give preference to farm wineries that produce 2,500 cases or less of wine or cider per year.
- The Board shall fix the wholesale and retail prices at which the various classes, varieties and brands of alcoholic beverages and other Board-approved products that are sold in government stores. Differences in the cost of operating stores, and market competition and conditions may be reflected in the sale price of alcoholic beverages sold at government stores. The Board may sell alcoholic beverages to federal instrumentalities (i) authorized and operating under the laws of the United States and regulations of the United States Department of Defense and (ii) located within the boundaries of federal enclaves or reservations over which the United States has acquired jurisdiction, at prices which may be greater or less than the wholesale price charged other authorized purchasers. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of the Board to fix the retail price of alcoholic beverages sold at government stores, which retail price may include promotional, volume, or other discounts deemed appropriate by the Board.
- Alcoholic beverages at government stores shall be sold by employees of the Authority who shall carry out the provisions of this title and Board regulations governing the operation of government stores and the sale of alcoholic beverages, except that the Board may appoint the holder of a distiller's license or its officers and employees as agents of the Board for the sale of spirits and low alcohol beverage coolers, manufactured by or for, or blended by such licensee on the licensed premises, at government stores established by the Board (i) on the distiller's licensed premises or (ii) at the site of an event licensed by the Board and conducted for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about spirits products. Such agents shall sell the spirits and low alcohol beverage coolers in accordance with the provisions of this title, Board regulations, and the terms of the agency agreement between the Authority and the licensed distiller. The Authority shall pay a licensed distiller making sales pursuant to an agreement authorized by this subsection a commission of not less than 20 percent of the retail price of the goods sold. If the licensed distiller makes application and meets certain requirements established by the Board, such agreement shall allow monthly revenue transfers from the licensed distiller to the Board to be submitted electronically and, notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1802 and 4.1-116 , to be limited to the amount due to the Board in applicable taxes and markups. For the purposes of this subsection, "blended" means the receipt by a licensed distiller of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages, other than wine and beer, in accordance with subdivision A 6 of § 4.1-201 to be (a) (1) additionally aged by the receiving distillery in order to increase the quality and flavor of such alcoholic beverages or (2) used in a low alcohol beverage cooler and (b) bottled by the receiving distillery.
- No Class 1 neutral grain spirit or alcohol, as defined by federal regulations, that is without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color shall be sold in government stores at a proof greater than 151 except upon permits issued by the Board for industrial, commercial, culinary, or medical use.
- All alcoholic beverages sold in government stores, except for tasting samples pursuant to subsection G sold in government stores established by the Board on a distiller's licensed premises, shall be in closed containers, sealed and affixed with labels prescribed by the Board.
- No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed in a government store by any person unless it is part of an organized tasting event conducted by (i) an employee of a manufacturer of distilled spirits or farm winery or (ii) an authorized representative of a manufacturer of distilled spirits or farm winery with a permit issued by the Board pursuant to subdivision A 15 of § 4.1-212 , at which the samples of alcoholic beverages provided to any consumer do not exceed the limits for spirits or wine set forth in subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201.1 . No sample may be consumed by any individual to whom alcoholic beverages may not lawfully be sold pursuant to § 4.1-304 . Notwithstanding the provision of this subsection to the contrary, an agent of the Board appointed pursuant to subsection D may give samples of spirits, beer, wine, or cider to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises or off-premises consumption, provided that (i) the spirits, beer, wine, or cider samples are manufactured within the same licensed premises or on contiguous premises of such agent licensed as a distillery, brewery, or winery; (ii) no single sample shall exceed four ounces of beer, two ounces of wine or cider, or one-half ounce of spirits, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits; (iii) no more than four total samples of alcoholic beverage products or, in the case of spirits samples, no more than three ounces of spirits shall be given or sold to any person per day; and (iv) in the case of spirits samples, a method is used to track the consumption of each consumer. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit such agent from serving samples of spirits as part of a mixed beverage. Such mixed beverage samples may contain spirits or vermouth not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery, provided that at least 75 percent of the alcohol used in such samples is manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery. An agent of the Board appointed pursuant to subsection D may keep on the licensed premises no more than 10 varieties of spirits or vermouth not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery. Any spirits or vermouth used in such samples that are not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery shall be purchased from the Board. The Board shall establish guidelines governing tasting events conducted pursuant to this subsection. Any case fee charged to a licensed distiller by the Board for moving spirits from the production and bailment area to the tasting area of a government store established by the Board on the distiller's licensed premises shall be waived if such spirits are moved by employees of the licensed distiller.
- With respect to purchases by licensees at government stores, the Authority shall (i) accept in payment for any purchase or series of purchases cash, electronic fund transfer, credit or debit card, or check payable to the Authority, in the exact amount of any such purchase or series of purchases and (ii) provide notice to licensees on Board policies relating to the assignment of government stores from which licensees may purchase products and any procedure for the licensee to elect to make purchases from an alternative government store.
- With respect to purchases by consumers at government stores, the Authority shall accept cash in payment for any purchase or series of purchases. The Board may adopt regulations which provide for accepting a credit card or debit card as payment. Such regulations may provide for the collection, where appropriate, of related fees, penalties and service charges for the use of a credit card or debit card by any consumer.
- Before the Authority implements any increase in the markup on distilled spirits or any change to the markup formula for distilled spirits pursuant to § 4.1-235 that would result in an increase in the retail price of distilled spirits sold to the public, the Authority shall (i) provide at least 45 days' public notice before such a price increase takes effect; (ii) provide the opportunity for submission of written comments regarding the proposed price increase; (iii) conduct a public meeting for the purpose of receiving verbal comment regarding the proposed price increase; and (iv) consider any written or verbal comments before implementing such a price increase. (Code 1950, § 4-15; 1958, c. 269; 1962, c. 453; 1970, c. 351; 1983, c. 267; 1984, c. 200; 1992, c. 782; 1993, cc. 252, 866; 1996, c. 558; 1999, c. 98; 2005, c. 651; 2006, c. 106; 2007, cc. 546, 726, 820; 2008, c. 609; 2009, c. 620; 2010, cc. 115, 170, 517; 2011, c. 713; 2012, c. 344; 2013, c. 476; 2014, cc. 437, 724; 2015, cc. 38, 62, 604, 730; 2016, cc. 21, 132, 141; 2017, cc. 75, 125, 155, 160; 2018, c. 734; 2019, cc. 37, 178, 466, 810, 811, 814; 2020, c. 1017; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section set out three times. - The section set out above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective from January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the second version and for the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the third version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-119 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, c. 252 amended former § 4-15, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, the 1993 amendment by c. 252 has been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 252, present subsection D was added, and former subsections D through G were redesignated as present subsections E through H.
Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2017, c. 155, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, c. 814, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 1999 amendment, effective March 15, 1999, inserted "credit or debit card" in subsection G.
The 2005 amendments. - The 2005 amendment by c. 651, in subsection G, added clause (ii) and made a related change.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 106, in subsection C, added the exception at the end of the first sentence, and added the last two sentences.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 546 rewrote subsection C [now subsection D], adding the subdivision 1 designation and subdivision C 2 [now subdivision D 2] and made related changes.
The 2007 amendment by c. 726, in subsection A, in the first sentence, inserted "and products used ... from time to time" following "mixers" and made a related change; inserted "and other Board-approved products that" following "alcoholic beverages" in the first sentence of subsection B [now subsection C]; and substituted "percent" for "%" twice in the first sentence of subsection C [now subdivision D 1].
The 2007 amendment by c. 820 inserted subsection B and redesignated former subsections B through H as subsections C through I.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 609, effective March 12, 2008, substituted "by or for such licensee on the licensed premises" for "by such licensee" in the introductory paragraph of subsection D.
The 2009 amendments. - The 2009 amendment by c. 620, in subsection D, inserted "or blended by" near the end of the introductory paragraph, inserted "or land in Virginia leased by the licensee" in the first sentence of subdivision D 1 and added the last paragraph.
The 2010 amendments. - The 2010 amendments by cc. 115 and 170 are identical, and in subsection G, added the language beginning "unless it is part of an organized tasting" in the first sentence and added the last two sentences.
The 2010 amendment by c. 517 inserted subdivision D 3 and made related changes.
The 2011 amendments. - The 2011 amendment by c. 713 added subdivision D 4 and made related changes.
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendment by c. 344 added subdivision D 5 and made related changes.
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendment by c. 476 inserted "except for tasting samples pursuant to subsection G sold in government stores established by the Board on a distiller's licensed premises" in subsection F.
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendments by cc. 437 and 724 are nearly identical and added subdivision D 6. In addition, c. 437 also amended subdivision D 5 by deleting "authentic" preceding "copper" and inserting "or stainless steel."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and added the last sentence in subsection C; substituted "Authority" for "Board" throughout the section and added subsection J.
The 2015 amendment by c. 62 deleted subdivision D 1 through D 6 and made a related change.
The 2015 amendment by c. 604 in subsection G, deleted the third sentence which read: "The Board shall establish guidelines governing tasting events conducted pursuant to this subsection" and added the second and third paragraphs.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 21 inserted "and products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation as specified in § 4.1-103 " and made a related change in subsection A.
The 2016 amendments by cc. 132 and 141 are identical, and in subsection G, substituted "at which" for "and" following " § 4.1-212 " in the first paragraph, and in the second paragraph, twice inserted "spirits" preceding "beer, wine," inserted "distillery" in clause (i), inserted "unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounce of spirits" in clause (ii), inserted "or, in the case of spirits samples, no more than three ounces of spirits" in clause (iii), added clause (iv), and inserted "part of" preceding "a mixed beverage" in the last sentence.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 75 and 125 are identical, and in subsection D, inserted the clause (i) designation, and added clause (ii).
The 2017 amendment by c. 155 expires July 1, 2022, and substituted "proof greater than 151" for "proof greater than 101" in subsection E.
The 2017 amendment by c. 160 inserted "or cider" twice in subsection B and in clause (ii) of the second paragraph in subsection G.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 734 added the third through fifth sentences to the second paragraph of subsection G.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and substituted "provisions" for "requirements" in subsection A.
The 2019 amendment by c. 466, in subsection A, inserted "low alcohol beverage coolers"; in subsection D, inserted "and low alcohol beverage coolers" in the first two paragraphs and in the third paragraph, redesignated clauses (i) and (ii) as (a)(1) and (b), respectively, and added clause (2).
The 2019 amendments by cc. 810 and 811 are identical, and in the second paragraph of subsection D, added the second sentence.
The 2019 amendment by c. 814, effective July 1, 2020, added the third sentence to the second paragraph of subsection D and the third paragraph of subsection G.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 1017 rewrote the last sentence of the second paragraph in subsection D, which read: "Monthly revenue transfers from the licensed distiller to the Board (a) may be submitted electronically and through other methods approved by the Board and (b) notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1802 and 4.1-116 , shall be limited to the amount due to the Board in applicable taxes and markups."
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the second paragraph of subsection G, inserted "or off-premises" in the introductory language of the first sentence. For expiration date, see Editor's note.
Law review. - For comment on federal power to regulate trade under the twenty-first amendment, see 38 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 302 (1981).
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, §§ 27, 28.
CASE NOTES
Constitutionality. - Virginia's ban on the direct shipment of wine to Virginia consumers from out-of-state entities, while Virginia not only permits, but encourages, direct shipment to consumers by in-state wineries and farm wineries, violates the dormant commerce clause and is unconstitutional. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11118 (E.D. Va. 2001), modified and approved, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
System whereby Virginia wineries, farm wineries, breweries, and off-premises licensees could directly ship beer and wine to Virginia and out-of-state consumers, where legal, but out-of-state vendors could neither obtain a Virginia license nor directly ship beer or wine to Virginia consumers, was the very definition of a facially discriminatory law; statutes were unconstitutional forms of discrimination in their in-state preferences for Virginia wine and beer. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
Fact that Virginia regulated the alcohol market was not sufficient to preclude its status as a market participant because to contravene the dormant Commerce Clause, a state had to do more than regulate markets in which its participation happened to favor local interests; a state acted unconstitutionally when its participation in one market resulted in regulation of another market in which it did not participate, and that could not be said of Virginia's decision to sell only Virginia wines from its own retail stores, as its participation in the wine market had no regulatory effects on other markets. Brooks v. Vassar, 462 F.3d 341, 2006 U.S. App. LEXIS 23144 (4th Cir. 2006), cert. denied, 550 U.S. 934, 127 S. Ct. 2251, 167 L. Ed. 2d 1090, 2007 U.S. LEXIS 5184 (U.S. 2007).
Successive purchases of one gallon permitted. - Under former § 4-15 one may make successive purchases of one gallon of whiskey at one or more stores. At the same time he may, by successive trips, remove his successive purchases from the store or stores, for otherwise the right to purchase in this manner would be ineffectual. Newman v. Commonwealth, 187 Va. 803 , 48 S.E.2d 355 (1948) (decided under prior law).
§ 4.1-119. (Effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022) Operation of government stores.
- Subject to the provisions of §§ 4.1-121 and 4.1-122 , the Board may establish, maintain, and operate government stores for the sale of spirits, wine produced by farm wineries, low alcohol beverage coolers produced by licensed distillers, vermouth, mixers, products used in connection with distilled spirits, including any garnish or garnishment applied to the rim of a glass of distilled spirits, as may be approved by the Board from time to time, and products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation as specified in § 4.1-103 in such counties, cities, and towns considered advisable by the Board. The Board may discontinue any such store.
- With respect to the sale of wine or cider produced by farm wineries, the Board may give preference to farm wineries that produce 2,500 cases or less of wine or cider per year.
- The Board shall fix the wholesale and retail prices at which the various classes, varieties and brands of alcoholic beverages and other Board-approved products that are sold in government stores. Differences in the cost of operating stores, and market competition and conditions may be reflected in the sale price of alcoholic beverages sold at government stores. The Board may sell alcoholic beverages to federal instrumentalities (i) authorized and operating under the laws of the United States and regulations of the United States Department of Defense and (ii) located within the boundaries of federal enclaves or reservations over which the United States has acquired jurisdiction, at prices which may be greater or less than the wholesale price charged other authorized purchasers. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of the Board to fix the retail price of alcoholic beverages sold at government stores, which retail price may include promotional, volume, or other discounts deemed appropriate by the Board.
- Alcoholic beverages at government stores shall be sold by employees of the Authority who shall carry out the provisions of this title and Board regulations governing the operation of government stores and the sale of alcoholic beverages, except that the Board may appoint the holder of a distiller's license or its officers and employees as agents of the Board for the sale of spirits and low alcohol beverage coolers, manufactured by or for, or blended by such licensee on the licensed premises, at government stores established by the Board (i) on the distiller's licensed premises or (ii) at the site of an event licensed by the Board and conducted for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about spirits products. Such agents shall sell the spirits and low alcohol beverage coolers in accordance with the provisions of this title, Board regulations, and the terms of the agency agreement between the Authority and the licensed distiller. The Authority shall pay a licensed distiller making sales pursuant to an agreement authorized by this subsection a commission of not less than 20 percent of the retail price of the goods sold. If the licensed distiller makes application and meets certain requirements established by the Board, such agreement shall allow monthly revenue transfers from the licensed distiller to the Board to be submitted electronically and, notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1802 and 4.1-116 , to be limited to the amount due to the Board in applicable taxes and markups. For the purposes of this subsection, "blended" means the receipt by a licensed distiller of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages, other than wine and beer, in accordance with subdivision A 6 of § 4.1-201 to be (a) (1) additionally aged by the receiving distillery in order to increase the quality and flavor of such alcoholic beverages or (2) used in a low alcohol beverage cooler and (b) bottled by the receiving distillery.
- No Class 1 neutral grain spirit or alcohol, as defined by federal regulations, that is without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color shall be sold in government stores at a proof greater than 151 except upon permits issued by the Board for industrial, commercial, culinary, or medical use.
- All alcoholic beverages sold in government stores, except for tasting samples pursuant to subsection G sold in government stores established by the Board on a distiller's licensed premises, shall be in closed containers, sealed and affixed with labels prescribed by the Board.
- No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed in a government store by any person unless it is part of an organized tasting event conducted by (i) an employee of a manufacturer of distilled spirits or farm winery or (ii) an authorized representative of a manufacturer of distilled spirits or farm winery with a permit issued by the Board pursuant to subdivision A 14 of § 4.1-212 , at which the samples of alcoholic beverages provided to any consumer do not exceed the limits for spirits or wine set forth in subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201.1 . No sample may be consumed by any individual to whom alcoholic beverages may not lawfully be sold pursuant to § 4.1-304 . Notwithstanding the provision of this subsection to the contrary, an agent of the Board appointed pursuant to subsection D may give samples of spirits, beer, wine, or cider to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises or off-premises consumption, provided that (i) the spirits, beer, wine, or cider samples are manufactured within the same licensed premises or on contiguous premises of such agent licensed as a distillery, brewery, or winery; (ii) no single sample shall exceed four ounces of beer, two ounces of wine or cider, or one-half ounce of spirits, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits; (iii) no more than 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or three ounces of spirits shall be given or sold to any person per day; and (iv) in the case of spirits samples, a method is used to track the consumption of each consumer. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit such agent from serving samples of spirits as part of a mixed beverage. Such mixed beverage samples may contain spirits or vermouth not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery, provided that at least 75 percent of the alcohol used in such samples is manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery. An agent of the Board appointed pursuant to subsection D may keep on the licensed premises no more than 10 varieties of spirits or vermouth not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery. Any spirits or vermouth used in such samples that are not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery shall be purchased from the Board. The Board shall establish guidelines governing tasting events conducted pursuant to this subsection. Any case fee charged to a licensed distiller by the Board for moving spirits from the production and bailment area to the tasting area of a government store established by the Board on the distiller's licensed premises shall be waived if such spirits are moved by employees of the licensed distiller.
- With respect to purchases by licensees at government stores, the Authority shall (i) accept in payment for any purchase or series of purchases cash, electronic fund transfer, credit or debit card, or check payable to the Authority, in the exact amount of any such purchase or series of purchases and (ii) provide notice to licensees on Board policies relating to the assignment of government stores from which licensees may purchase products and any procedure for the licensee to elect to make purchases from an alternative government store.
- With respect to purchases by consumers at government stores, the Authority shall accept cash in payment for any purchase or series of purchases. The Board may adopt regulations which provide for accepting a credit card or debit card as payment. Such regulations may provide for the collection, where appropriate, of related fees, penalties and service charges for the use of a credit card or debit card by any consumer.
- Before the Authority implements any increase in the markup on distilled spirits or any change to the markup formula for distilled spirits pursuant to § 4.1-235 that would result in an increase in the retail price of distilled spirits sold to the public, the Authority shall (i) provide at least 45 days' public notice before such a price increase takes effect; (ii) provide the opportunity for submission of written comments regarding the proposed price increase; (iii) conduct a public meeting for the purpose of receiving verbal comment regarding the proposed price increase; and (iv) consider any written or verbal comments before implementing such a price increase. (Code 1950, § 4-15; 1958, c. 269; 1962, c. 453; 1970, c. 351; 1983, c. 267; 1984, c. 200; 1992, c. 782; 1993, cc. 252, 866; 1996, c. 558; 1999, c. 98; 2005, c. 651; 2006, c. 106; 2007, cc. 546, 726, 820; 2008, c. 609; 2009, c. 620; 2010, cc. 115, 170, 517; 2011, c. 713; 2012, c. 344; 2013, c. 476; 2014, cc. 437, 724; 2015, cc. 38, 62, 604, 730; 2016, cc. 21, 132, 141; 2017, cc. 75, 125, 155, 160; 2018, c. 734; 2019, cc. 37, 178, 466, 810, 811, 814; 2020, cc. 1017, 1113, 1114; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282, 288.)
Section set out three times. - The section set out above is effective from January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the first version and for the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the third version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-119 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2017, c. 155, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, c. 814, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 288, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 75 and 125 are identical, and in subsection D, inserted the clause (i) designation, and added clause (ii).
The 2017 amendment by c. 155 expires July 1, 2022, and substituted "proof greater than 151" for "proof greater than 101" in subsection E.
The 2017 amendment by c. 160 inserted "or cider" twice in subsection B and in clause (ii) of the second paragraph in subsection G.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 734 added the third through fifth sentences to the second paragraph of subsection G.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and substituted "provisions" for "requirements" in subsection A.
The 2019 amendment by c. 466, in subsection A, inserted "low alcohol beverage coolers"; in subsection D, inserted "and low alcohol beverage coolers" in the first two paragraphs and in the third paragraph, redesignated clauses (i) and (ii) as (a)(1) and (b), respectively, and added clause (2).
The 2019 amendments by cc. 810 and 811 are identical, and in the second paragraph of subsection D, added the second sentence.
The 2019 amendment by c. 814, effective July 1, 2020, added the third sentence to the second paragraph of subsection D and the third paragraph of subsection G.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 1017, rewrote the last sentence of the second paragraph in subsection D, which read: "Monthly revenue transfers from the licensed distiller to the Board (a) may be submitted electronically and through other methods approved by the Board and (b) notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1802 and 4.1-116 , shall be limited to the amount due to the Board in applicable taxes and markups."
The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, are identical, and in subsection G, in clause (ii) of the first paragraph, substituted "subdivision A 14" for "subdivision A 15" and in clause (iii) of the second paragraph, substituted "no more than 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or" for "no more than four total samples of alcoholic beverage products or, in the case of spirits samples, no more than."
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the second paragraph of subsection G, inserted "or off-premises" in the introductory language of the first sentence. For expiration date, see Editor's note.
The 2021 amendment by Sp. Sess. I, c. 288, effective January 1, 2022, in subsection A, substituted "spirits, wine produced" for "alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced" and inserted "produced by licensed distillers."
§ 4.1-119. (Effective July 1, 2022) Operation of government stores.
- Subject to the provisions of §§ 4.1-121 and 4.1-122 , the Board may establish, maintain, and operate government stores for the sale of spirits, wine produced by farm wineries, low alcohol beverage coolers produced by licensed distillers, vermouth, mixers, products used in connection with distilled spirits, including any garnish or garnishment applied to the rim of a glass of distilled spirits, as may be approved by the Board from time to time, and products licensed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation as specified in § 4.1-103 in such counties, cities, and towns considered advisable by the Board. The Board may discontinue any such store.
- With respect to the sale of wine or cider produced by farm wineries, the Board may give preference to farm wineries that produce 2,500 cases or less of wine or cider per year.
- The Board shall fix the wholesale and retail prices at which the various classes, varieties and brands of alcoholic beverages and other Board-approved products that are sold in government stores. Differences in the cost of operating stores, and market competition and conditions may be reflected in the sale price of alcoholic beverages sold at government stores. The Board may sell alcoholic beverages to federal instrumentalities (i) authorized and operating under the laws of the United States and regulations of the United States Department of Defense and (ii) located within the boundaries of federal enclaves or reservations over which the United States has acquired jurisdiction, at prices which may be greater or less than the wholesale price charged other authorized purchasers. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of the Board to fix the retail price of alcoholic beverages sold at government stores, which retail price may include promotional, volume, or other discounts deemed appropriate by the Board.
- Alcoholic beverages at government stores shall be sold by employees of the Authority who shall carry out the provisions of this title and Board regulations governing the operation of government stores and the sale of alcoholic beverages, except that the Board may appoint the holder of a distiller's license or its officers and employees as agents of the Board for the sale of spirits and low alcohol beverage coolers, manufactured by or for, or blended by such licensee on the licensed premises, at government stores established by the Board (i) on the distiller's licensed premises or (ii) at the site of an event licensed by the Board and conducted for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about spirits products. Such agents shall sell the spirits and low alcohol beverage coolers in accordance with the provisions of this title, Board regulations, and the terms of the agency agreement between the Authority and the licensed distiller. The Authority shall pay a licensed distiller making sales pursuant to an agreement authorized by this subsection a commission of not less than 20 percent of the retail price of the goods sold. If the licensed distiller makes application and meets certain requirements established by the Board, such agreement shall allow monthly revenue transfers from the licensed distiller to the Board to be submitted electronically and, notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1802 and 4.1-116 , to be limited to the amount due to the Board in applicable taxes and markups. For the purposes of this subsection, "blended" means the receipt by a licensed distiller of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages, other than wine and beer, in accordance with subdivision A 6 of § 4.1-201 to be (a) (1) additionally aged by the receiving distillery in order to increase the quality and flavor of such alcoholic beverages or (2) used in a low alcohol beverage cooler and (b) bottled by the receiving distillery.
- No Class 1 neutral grain spirit or alcohol, as defined by federal regulations, that is without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color shall be sold in government stores at a proof greater than 101 except upon permits issued by the Board for industrial, commercial, culinary, or medical use.
- All alcoholic beverages sold in government stores, except for tasting samples pursuant to subsection G sold in government stores established by the Board on a distiller's licensed premises, shall be in closed containers, sealed and affixed with labels prescribed by the Board.
- No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed in a government store by any person unless it is part of an organized tasting event conducted by (i) an employee of a manufacturer of distilled spirits or farm winery or (ii) an authorized representative of a manufacturer of distilled spirits or farm winery with a permit issued by the Board pursuant to subdivision A 14 of § 4.1-212 , at which the samples of alcoholic beverages provided to any consumer do not exceed the limits for spirits or wine set forth in subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201.1 . No sample may be consumed by any individual to whom alcoholic beverages may not lawfully be sold pursuant to § 4.1-304 . Notwithstanding the provision of this subsection to the contrary, an agent of the Board appointed pursuant to subsection D may give samples of spirits, beer, wine, or cider to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption, provided that (i) the spirits, beer, wine, or cider samples are manufactured within the same licensed premises or on contiguous premises of such agent licensed as a distillery, brewery, or winery; (ii) no single sample shall exceed four ounces of beer, two ounces of wine or cider, or one-half ounce of spirits, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits; (iii) no more than 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or three ounces of spirits shall be given or sold to any person per day; and (iv) in the case of spirits samples, a method is used to track the consumption of each consumer. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit such agent from serving samples of spirits as part of a mixed beverage. Such mixed beverage samples may contain spirits or vermouth not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery, provided that at least 75 percent of the alcohol used in such samples is manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery. An agent of the Board appointed pursuant to subsection D may keep on the licensed premises no more than 10 varieties of spirits or vermouth not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery. Any spirits or vermouth used in such samples that are not manufactured on the licensed premises or on contiguous premises of the licensed distillery shall be purchased from the Board. The Board shall establish guidelines governing tasting events conducted pursuant to this subsection. Any case fee charged to a licensed distiller by the Board for moving spirits from the production and bailment area to the tasting area of a government store established by the Board on the distiller's licensed premises shall be waived if such spirits are moved by employees of the licensed distiller.
- With respect to purchases by licensees at government stores, the Authority shall (i) accept in payment for any purchase or series of purchases cash, electronic fund transfer, credit or debit card, or check payable to the Authority, in the exact amount of any such purchase or series of purchases and (ii) provide notice to licensees on Board policies relating to the assignment of government stores from which licensees may purchase products and any procedure for the licensee to elect to make purchases from an alternative government store.
- With respect to purchases by consumers at government stores, the Authority shall accept cash in payment for any purchase or series of purchases. The Board may adopt regulations which provide for accepting a credit card or debit card as payment. Such regulations may provide for the collection, where appropriate, of related fees, penalties and service charges for the use of a credit card or debit card by any consumer.
- Before the Authority implements any increase in the markup on distilled spirits or any change to the markup formula for distilled spirits pursuant to § 4.1-235 that would result in an increase in the retail price of distilled spirits sold to the public, the Authority shall (i) provide at least 45 days' public notice before such a price increase takes effect; (ii) provide the opportunity for submission of written comments regarding the proposed price increase; (iii) conduct a public meeting for the purpose of receiving verbal comment regarding the proposed price increase; and (iv) consider any written or verbal comments before implementing such a price increase. (Code 1950, § 4-15; 1958, c. 269; 1962, c. 453; 1970, c. 351; 1983, c. 267; 1984, c. 200; 1992, c. 782; 1993, cc. 252, 866; 1996, c. 558; 1999, c. 98; 2005, c. 651; 2006, c. 106; 2007, cc. 546, 726, 820; 2008, c. 609; 2009, c. 620; 2010, cc. 115, 170, 517; 2011, c. 713; 2012, c. 344; 2013, c. 476; 2014, cc. 437, 724; 2015, cc. 38, 62, 604, 730; 2016, cc. 21, 132, 141; 2017, cc. 75, 125, 160; 2018, c. 734; 2019, cc. 37, 178, 466, 810, 811, 814; 2020, cc. 1017, 1113, 1114; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 288.)
Section set out three times. - The section set out above is effective July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the first version and for the version of this section effective from January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the second version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-119 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2017, c. 155, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, c. 814, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 288, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022."
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 75 and 125 are identical, and in subsection D, inserted the clause (i) designation, and added clause (ii).
The 2017 amendment by c. 155 expires July 1, 2022, and substituted "proof greater than 151" for "proof greater than 101" in subsection E.
The 2017 amendment by c. 160 inserted "or cider" twice in subsection B and in clause (ii) of the second paragraph in subsection G.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 734 added the third through fifth sentences to the second paragraph of subsection G.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and substituted "provisions" for "requirements" in subsection A.
The 2019 amendment by c. 466, in subsection A, inserted "low alcohol beverage coolers"; in subsection D, inserted "and low alcohol beverage coolers" in the first two paragraphs and in the third paragraph, redesignated clauses (i) and (ii) as (a)(1) and (b), respectively, and added clause (2).
The 2019 amendments by cc. 810 and 811 are identical, and in the second paragraph of subsection D, added the second sentence.
The 2019 amendment by c. 814, effective July 1, 2020, added the second sentence to the second paragraph of subsection D and the third paragraph of subsection G.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by c. 1017 rewrote the last sentence of the second paragraph in subsection D, which read: "Monthly revenue transfers from the licensed distiller to the Board (a) may be submitted electronically and through other methods approved by the Board and (b) notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1802 and 4.1-116 , shall be limited to the amount due to the Board in applicable taxes and markups."
The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective July 1, 2021, and in subsection G, in clause (ii) of the first paragraph, substituted "subdivision A 14" for "subdivision A 15" and in clause (iii) of the second paragraph, substituted "no more than 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or" for "no more than four total samples of alcoholic beverage products or, in the case of spirits samples, no more than."
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendment by Sp. Sess. I, c. 288, effective January 1, 2022, in subsection A, substituted "spirits, wine produced" for "alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced" and inserted "produced by licensed distillers."
§ 4.1-119.1. Human trafficking hotline; posted notice required.
Within each government store, except for government stores established on a distiller's licensed premises pursuant to subsection D of § 4.1-119 , the Authority shall post notice of the existence of a human trafficking hotline to alert possible witnesses or victims of human trafficking to the availability of a means to report crimes or gain assistance. The notice required by this section shall (i) be posted in a place readily visible and accessible to the public and (ii) meet the requirements specified in subsection C of § 40.1-11.3 .
(2019, c. 388.)
§ 4.1-120. When government stores closed.
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Except as provided in subsection B, no sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages shall be made at any government store, nor shall any such store be kept open for the sale of alcoholic beverages:
- On Sunday;
- On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day; or
- During such other periods and on such other days as the Board may direct.
-
Certain government stores, as determined by the Board, may be open on Sunday for the sale of alcoholic beverages after 10:00 a.m.
(Code 1950, § 4-19; 1972, c. 138; 1992, c. 129; 1993, c. 866; 2004, c. 1002; 2008, c. 134; 2012, c. 245; 2019, cc. 810, 811.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, c. 1289, Item 395 D, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 552, effective for the biennium ending June 30, 2022, provides: "Notwithstanding § 4.1-120 , Code of Virginia, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board may open certain government stores, as determined by the Board, for the sale of alcoholic beverages on New Year's Day and on Sundays after 10:00 a.m."
The 2004 amendments. - The 2004 amendment by c. 1002 added the subsection A designation; added "Except as provided in subsection B" in the introductory paragraph of subsection A; and added subsection B.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 134 substituted "a population of 100,000 or more" for "a population in excess of 200,000" in subsection B.
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendment by c. 245 deleted "in any county having the urban county executive form of government, in any city adjacent to or completely surrounded by any such county, in any county contiguous to any such county, in any city adjacent to or completely surrounded by any such contiguous county, or in any city having a population of 100,000 or more" following "as determined by the Board" in subsection B.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 810 and 811 are identical, and in subsection B, substituted "10:00 a.m." for "1:00 p.m."
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, § 28.
§ 4.1-121. Referendum on establishment of government stores.
- The qualified voters of any county, city, or town having a population of 1,000 or more may file a petition with the circuit court of the county or city, or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated, asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1 preceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum. The question on the ballot shall be: "Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in ................ (name of county, city, or town)?" The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in § 24.2-684 . Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the county, city, or town.
-
Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of the date of the prior referendum. However, a town shall not be prescribed from holding a referendum within such period although an election has been held in the county in which the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior thereto.
(Code 1950, § 4-45; 1954, c. 221; 1974, c. 399; 1975, c. 517; 1977, c. 683; 1980, cc. 541, 543; 1984, c. 200; 1993, c. 866; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, cc. 37, 178.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 5 provides: "That a referendum may be held in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, on either or both of the following questions: "Shall the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority be prohibited in ................ (name of town, county, or supervisor's election district of county)?" and "Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in ................ (name of county, city, or town)?" The result of any referendum held pursuant to this enactment shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 6 provides: "That the result of any referendum held by a town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county prior to July 1, 2019, under the provisions of § 4.1-121 or 4.1-124 of the Code of Virginia, as those sections were in effect prior to the effective date of the first enactment, shall remain valid and enforceable for a period of five years after the date upon which such referendum was held."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and substituted "Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority" for "Board of Alcoholic Beverages" and "10" for "ten" in subsection A and in the ballot question substituted substituted "Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority" for "Alcoholic Beverage Control Board."
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and in subsection A, inserted "of alcoholic beverages" and substituted "prohibited" for "permitted" in the first sentence, and substituted "prohibited" for "permitted" in the ballot question.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, § 32.
CASE NOTES
A court of equity had no jurisdiction to hear and determine the contest of an election held under former § 4-45. Cundiff v. Jeter, 172 Va. 470 , 2 S.E.2d 436 (1939) (decided under prior law).
§ 4.1-122. Effect of local option referenda.
- If in any referendum held under the provisions of § 4.1-121 in any county, city, or town a majority of the qualified voters vote "Yes" on the question, then on and after 60 days from the date on which the order of the court, setting forth the results of such referendum was entered of record, none of the alcoholic beverages voted against shall be sold in such county, city, or town except for delivery or shipment to persons outside of such county, city, or town authorized under this title to acquire the alcoholic beverages for resale. This subsection shall not apply to common carriers of passengers by train, boat or airplane selling wine and beer to bona fide passengers.
- If in any such referendum held in any county, city, or town in which a majority of the qualified voters have previously voted to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages by the Board and in a subsequent election a majority of the voters of the county, city, or town vote "No" on the question stated in § 4.1-121 , then such alcoholic beverages may, in accordance with this title, be sold within the county, city, or town on and after 60 days from the day on which the order of the court setting forth the results of such election is entered of record.
- If any referendum is held under the provisions of § 4.1-124 in any county, town, or supervisor's election district of a county and the majority of voters voting in such referendum voted "Yes," the sale by the Board of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, shall be prohibited in such county, town, or supervisor's election district of a county. Notwithstanding this section and any referendum held under § 4.1-121 to the contrary, persons licensed to sell mixed beverages in such county, town, or supervisor's election district of a county shall also be permitted to sell wine and beer for on-premises consumption, provided the appropriate license fees are paid for the privilege.
- The provisions of this section shall not prevent in any county, city, or town, the sale and delivery or shipment of alcoholic beverages specified in § 4.1-200 to and by persons therein authorized to sell alcoholic beverages, nor prevent the delivery or shipment of alcoholic beverages under Board regulations into any county, city, or town, except as otherwise prohibited by this title.
-
For the purpose of this section, when any referendum is held in any town, separate and apart from the county in which such town or a part thereof is located, such town shall be treated as being separate and apart from such county.
(Code 1950, § 4-46; 1954, c. 221; 1974, c. 460; 1975, c. 482; 1977, c. 683; 1980, cc. 541, 543; 1982, cc. 66, 204; 1984, c. 200; 1991, c. 690; 1993, c. 866; 2019, cc. 37, 178.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and in subsection A, substituted "'Yes'" for "'No'"' in the first sentence; in subsection B, substituted "to prohibit" for "against permitting," substituted "'No'" for "'Yes'," and deleted "permitted to be sold by such referendum" following "such alcoholic beverages"; in subsection C, substituted "prohibited" for "permitted" in the first sentence; and made stylistic changes.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, § 32.
§ 4.1-123. Referendum on Sunday wine and beer sales; exception.
- Either the qualified voters or the governing body of any county, city, town, or supervisor's election district of a county may file a petition with the circuit court of the county or city or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale of beer and wine on Sunday should be permitted within that jurisdiction. The petition of voters shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least ten percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1 preceding its filing or at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum. The question on the ballot shall be: "Shall the sale of wine and beer between the hours of twelve o'clock p.m. on each Saturday and six o'clock a.m. on each Monday be permitted in ________ (name of county, city, town, or supervisor's election district of the county)?" The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in § 24.2-684 . Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the county, city, or town. Notwithstanding an ordinance adopted pursuant to § 4.1-129 , an affirmative majority vote on the question shall be binding on the governing body of the county, city, or town, and the governing body shall take all actions required of it to legalize such Sunday sales.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A or § 4.1-129 , where property that constitutes a farm winery lies within, or abuts, the boundaries of Floyd and Patrick Counties, the retail sale of wine by the farm winery licensee in the county that restricts the sale of wine and beer shall be allowed at one fixed location on a parcel of land that contains all or part of the licensee's producing vineyard and the licensee's vinification facilities. The Board may refuse to allow such licensee the exercise of his retail sales privilege in the county restricting the Sunday sale of wine and beer if the Board determines, after giving the licensee notice and a hearing, that (i) the owner of the farm winery had actual knowledge that the vinification facilities and all or part of the producing vineyard were going to be located in the county restricting the sale of wine and beer prior to construction of the vinification facilities or (ii) the primary business purpose of the farm winery licensee is to engage in the retail sale of wine in such county rather than the business of a farm winery. Nothing in this subsection shall apply to a farm winery licensee that has a retail establishment for the sale of its wine in the county adjoining the county that restricts the Sunday sale of wine and beer if the retail establishment is within one-half mile of the farm winery's vinification facilities. (1979, c. 621, § 4-96.3; 1980, c. 543; 1993, c. 866; 2001, cc. 594, 783; 2007, c. 813.)
The 2001 amendments. - The 2001 amendment by c. 594 added the subsection A designator to the first paragraph, and added subsection B.
The 2001 amendment by c. 783 deleted "or" preceding "town" and inserted "or supervisor's election district of a county" following "town" in the first paragraph of present subsection A, and deleted "or" preceding "town" and inserted "or supervisor's election district of the county" following "town" in the ballot question in subsection A.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 813 substituted "Floyd and Patrick Counties" for "two adjoining counties, one of which has a population between 12,000 and 12,100 and one of which has a population between 17,450 and 17,500" in subsection B.
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
"Qualified voters." - Based on the plain language of subsection A of § 4.1-124 , neither a member of the Board of Supervisors nor the Board of Supervisors in its entirety is authorized to petition the circuit court for a referendum on mixed beverage sales. See opinion of Attorney General to J. Vaden Hunt, Esquire, Pittsylvania County Attorney, 11-069, 2011 Va. AG LEXIS 52 (7/1/11).
§ 4.1-124. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages.
- The provisions of this title relating to the sale of mixed beverages shall be effective in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county unless a majority of the voters voting in a referendum vote "Yes" on the question of whether the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited. The qualified voters of a town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county may file a petition with the circuit court of the county asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed by the Board should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the town, county, or supervisor's election district on January 1 preceding its filing or at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Petition requirements for any county shall be based on the number of registered voters in the county, including the number of registered voters in any town having a population in excess of 1,000 located within such county. Upon the filing of a petition, and under no other circumstances, the court shall order the election officials of the county to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the town, county, or supervisor's election district once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum. The question on the ballot shall be: "Shall the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority be prohibited in __________________ (name of town, county, or supervisor's election district of county)?" The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the town or county. Mixed beverages prohibited from sale by such referendum shall not be sold by restaurants within the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county on or after 30 days following the entry of the order if a majority of the voters voting in the referendum have voted "Yes." The provisions of this section shall be applicable to towns having a population in excess of 1,000 to the same extent and subject to the same conditions and limitations as are otherwise applicable to counties under this section. Such towns shall be treated as separate local option units, and only residents of any such town shall be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any such town. Residents of towns having a population in excess of 1,000, however, shall also be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any county in which the town is located. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants shall be prohibited in any town created as a result of a city-to-town reversion pursuant to Chapter 41 (§ 15.2-4100 et seq.) of Title 15.2 if a referendum on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited was previously held in the former city and a majority of the voters voting in such referendum voted "Yes."
- Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county for a period of 23 months.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the sale of mixed beverages shall be allowed on property dedicated for industrial or commercial development and controlled through the provision of public utilities and covenanting of the land by any multijurisdictional industrial development authority, as set forth under Chapter 49 (§ 15.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 15.2, provided that (i) such authority operates under a partnership agreement between three or more counties, cities, or towns and such jurisdictions participate administratively and financially in the authority and (ii) the sale of mixed beverages is permitted in one of the member counties, cities, towns, or a supervisor's election district of one of the counties and that the governing board of the authority authorizes an establishment located within the confines of such property to apply to the Board for such license. The appropriate license fees shall be paid for this privilege.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section and subsection C of § 4.1-122 , the sale of mixed beverages by licensees, and the sale of alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries by the Board, shall be allowed in any city in the Commonwealth.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the Board may grant a mixed beverage restaurant license to a restaurant located on the premises of and operated by a private club exclusively for its members and their guests, subject to the qualifications and restrictions on the issuance of such license imposed by § 4.1-210 . However, no license authorized by this subsection shall be granted if the private club restricts its membership on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin or sex. (1968, c. 7, §§ 4-98.12, 4-98.13; 1975, c. 517; 1979, c. 199; 1982, c. 31; 1985, c. 551; 1986, c. 70; 1988, c. 156; 1991, c. 690; 1993, c. 866; 1995, c. 177; 1997, c. 126; 2011, c. 560; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, cc. 37, 178.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-124 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 3 provides: "That notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-124 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, mixed beverage licenses may be granted to any establishment described in § 4.1-126 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to the effective date of this act, subject to all other applicable provisions of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and regulations of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 5 provides: "That a referendum may be held in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, on either or both of the following questions: "Shall the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority be prohibited in ____________ (name of town, county, or supervisor's election district of county)?" and "Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in ____________ (name of county, city, or town)?" The result of any referendum held pursuant to this enactment shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 6 provides: "That the result of any referendum held by a town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county prior to July 1, 2019, under the provisions of § 4.1-121 or 4.1-124 of the Code of Virginia, as those sections were in effect prior to the effective date of the first enactment, shall remain valid and enforceable for a period of five years after the date upon which such referendum was held."
The 1997 amendment added the next-to-last sentence in the first paragraph of subsection A.
The 2011 amendments. - The 2011 amendment by c. 560, in subsection A, in the second paragraph, substituted "including" for "exclusive of," in the sixth paragraph, in the second sentence, inserted "only," substituted "shall be eligible to vote" for "shall not be eligible to vote" and "for any such town" for "for any county in which the town is located," added the last sentence, and deleted "However," at the beginning of the last paragraph; and made minor stylistic changes throughout.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and substituted "Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority" for "Alcoholic Beverage Control Board" in the ballot question in the fourth paragraph of subsection A.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendments by cc. 37 and 178 are identical, effective July 1, 2020, and in subsection A, substituted "shall be effective in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county unless a majority of the voters voting in a referendum vote 'Yes' on the question of whether the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited" for "shall not become effective in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county until a majority of the voters voting in a referendum vote affirmatively on the question of whether mixed alcoholic beverages should be sold by restaurants licensed under this title" in the first sentence and substituted "prohibited" for "permitted" in the second sentence, substituted "prohibited" for "permitted" within the ballot question in the fourth paragraph; in the fifth paragraph, substituted "prohibited from sale" for "permitted to be sold" and "shall not" for "may in accordance with this title" and deleted "licensed by the Board" following "sold by restaurants"; and rewrote the last paragraph, which read: "The provisions of this section shall not require any town created as a result of a city-to-town reversion pursuant to Chapter 41 ( § 15.2-4100 et seq.) of Title 15.2 to hold a referendum on the same question if a majority of the voters voting in the former city had previously approved the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed by the Board in such city."
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Only "qualified voters" may file petition. - Based on the plain language of subsection A of § 4.1-124 , neither a member of the Board of Supervisors nor the Board of Supervisors in its entirety is authorized to petition the circuit court for a referendum on mixed beverage sales. See opinion of Attorney General to J. Vaden Hunt, Esquire, Pittsylvania County Attorney, 11-069, 2011 Va. AG LEXIS 52 (7/1/11).
§ 4.1-124. (Effective January 1, 2022) Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages.
- The provisions of this title relating to the sale of mixed beverages shall be effective in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county unless a majority of the voters voting in a referendum vote "Yes" on the question of whether the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited. The qualified voters of a town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county may file a petition with the circuit court of the county asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed by the Board should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the town, county, or supervisor's election district on January 1 preceding its filing or at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Petition requirements for any county shall be based on the number of registered voters in the county, including the number of registered voters in any town having a population in excess of 1,000 located within such county. Upon the filing of a petition, and under no other circumstances, the court shall order the election officials of the county to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the town, county, or supervisor's election district once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum. The question on the ballot shall be: "Shall the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority be prohibited in __________________ (name of town, county, or supervisor's election district of county)?" The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the town or county. Mixed beverages prohibited from sale by such referendum shall not be sold by restaurants within the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county on or after 30 days following the entry of the order if a majority of the voters voting in the referendum have voted "Yes." The provisions of this section shall be applicable to towns having a population in excess of 1,000 to the same extent and subject to the same conditions and limitations as are otherwise applicable to counties under this section. Such towns shall be treated as separate local option units, and only residents of any such town shall be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any such town. Residents of towns having a population in excess of 1,000, however, shall also be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any county in which the town is located. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants shall be prohibited in any town created as a result of a city-to-town reversion pursuant to Chapter 41 (§ 15.2-4100 et seq.) of Title 15.2 if a referendum on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited was previously held in the former city and a majority of the voters voting in such referendum voted "Yes."
- Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county for a period of 23 months.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the sale of mixed beverages shall be allowed on property dedicated for industrial or commercial development and controlled through the provision of public utilities and covenanting of the land by any multijurisdictional industrial development authority, as set forth under Chapter 49 (§ 15.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 15.2, provided that (i) such authority operates under a partnership agreement between three or more counties, cities, or towns and such jurisdictions participate administratively and financially in the authority and (ii) the sale of mixed beverages is permitted in one of the member counties, cities, towns, or a supervisor's election district of one of the counties and that the governing board of the authority authorizes an establishment located within the confines of such property to apply to the Board for such license. The appropriate license fees shall be paid for this privilege.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section and subsection C of § 4.1-122 , the sale of mixed beverages by licensees, and the sale of alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries by the Board, shall be allowed in any city in the Commonwealth.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the Board may grant a mixed beverage restaurant license to a restaurant located on the premises of and operated by a private club exclusively for its members and their guests, subject to the qualifications and restrictions on the issuance of such license imposed by § 4.1-206.3 . However, no license authorized by this subsection shall be granted if the private club restricts its membership on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, or sex. (1968, c. 7, §§ 4-98.12, 4-98.13; 1975, c. 517; 1979, c. 199; 1982, c. 31; 1985, c. 551; 1986, c. 70; 1988, c. 156; 1991, c. 690; 1993, c. 866; 1995, c. 177; 1997, c. 126; 2011, c. 560; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, cc. 37, 178; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-124 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and substituted " § 4.1-206.3 " for " § 4.1-210 " in subsection E at the end of the first sentence; and made a stylistic change.
§ 4.1-125. Section 4.1-124 applicable to certain towns.
The provisions of § 4.1-124 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to any town within the Commonwealth which is entirely surrounded by a base of the United States armed forces.
(1968, c. 761, § 4-98.12:1; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-126.
Repealed by Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4, effective July 1, 2020.
Editor's note. - Former § 4.1-126 , pertaining to licenses for establishments in national forests, certain adjoining lands, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and certain other properties, derived from 1972, c. 304, § 4-98.12:2; 1976, c. 169; 1988, c. 63; 1992, c. 876; 1993, cc. 866, 954; 2001, cc. 461, 845; 2005, cc. 646, 689; 2006, c. 752; 2007, cc. 469, 813; 2013, cc. 35, 186, 558, 601, 633; 2014, c. 692; 2015, c. 348; 2016, c. 659; 2017, cc. 589, 595; 2018, c. 494; 2019, c. 175.
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 3 provides: "That notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-124 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, mixed beverage licenses may be granted to any establishment described in § 4.1-126 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to the effective date of this act, subject to all other applicable provisions of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and regulations of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority."
Acts 2019, cc. 37 and 178, cl. 4 provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and third enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020."
§ 4.1-127. Contests of local option referenda.
The regularity or legality of any referendum held pursuant to §§ 4.1-121 , 4.1-123 and 4.1-124 shall be subject to the inquiry, determination, and judgment of the circuit court which ordered the referendum. The court shall proceed upon complaint of fifteen or more qualified voters of the county, city, or town, filed within thirty days after the date the results of the referendum are certified and setting out fully the grounds of contest. The complaint and the proceedings shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of § 15.2-1654 , and the judgment of the court entered of record shall be a final determination of the regularity and legality of the referendum.
(Code 1950, § 4-47; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-128. Local ordinances or resolutions regulating or taxing alcoholic beverages.
- No county, city, or town shall, except as provided in § 4.1-205 or 4.1-129 , adopt any ordinance or resolution which regulates or prohibits the manufacture, bottling, possession, sale, wholesale distribution, handling, transportation, drinking, use, advertising or dispensing of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth. Nor shall any county, city, or town adopt an ordinance or resolution that prohibits or regulates the storage, warehousing, and wholesaling of wine in accordance with Title 4.1, regulations of the Board, and federal law at a licensed farm winery. No provision of law, general or special, shall be construed to authorize any county, city or town to adopt any ordinance or resolution that imposes a sales or excise tax on alcoholic beverages, other than the taxes authorized by § 58.1-605 , 58.1-3833 or 58.1-3840 . The foregoing limitation shall not affect the authority of any county, city or town to impose a license or privilege tax or fee on a business engaged in whole or in part in the sale of alcoholic beverages if the license or privilege tax or fee (i) is based on an annual or per event flat fee specifically authorized by general law or (ii) is an annual license or privilege tax specifically authorized by general law, which includes alcoholic beverages in its taxable measure and treats alcoholic beverages the same as if they were nonalcoholic beverages.
- However, the governing body of any county, city, or town may adopt an ordinance that (i) prohibits the acts described in subsection A of § 4.1-308 subject to the provisions of subsections B and E of § 4.1-308 , or the acts described in § 4.1-309 , and may provide a penalty for violation thereof and (ii) subject to subsection C of § 4.1-308 , regulates or prohibits the possession of opened alcoholic beverage containers in its local public parks, playgrounds, public streets, and any sidewalk adjoining any public street.
-
Except as provided in this section, all local acts, including charter provisions and ordinances of cities and towns, inconsistent with any of the provisions of this title, are repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
(Code 1950, § 4-98; 1983, c. 340; 1993, c. 866; 2000, cc. 381, 450; 2007, cc. 140, 454; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2017, cc. 157, 492.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendments by cc. 381 and 450 are virtually identical, and added the second paragraph of subsection A.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 140 inserted "wholesale" in the first sentence, and inserted the second sentence in subsection A.
The 2007 amendment by c. 454 substituted "public streets, and any sidewalk adjoining any public street" for "and public streets" in subsection B.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and deleted "Alcoholic Beverage Control" preceding "Board" in the first paragraph and substituted " § " for " §§ " preceding "58.1-605" in the second paragraph of subsection A.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 157 and 492 are identical, and substituted "subsections B and E" for "subsection B" in clause (i) of subsection B, and made a minor stylistic change.
Law review. - For article, "Wine Tasting Activities in Virginia: Is America's First Wine Producing State Destined to Wither on the Vine Due to Overregulation?," see 23 T.M. Cooley L. Rev. 221 (2006).
For annual survey of Virginia law article, "Land Use and Zoning Law," see 47 U. Rich. L. Rev. 223 (2012).
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 13B M.J. Municipal Corporations, § 63; 21 M.J. Zoning and Planning, § 5.
Editor's note. - Most of the cases noted below were decided under former § 4-96, now repealed, which covered the same subject matter as this section.
CASE NOTES
Former § 4-96 did not prohibit the city's tax which by ordinance, imposed a retail sales tax on all food sold in restaurants in the city. The ordinance defined "food" to include "any and all refreshments and nourishment, liquid or otherwise." City of Virginia Beach v. Virginia Restaurant Ass'n, 231 Va. 130 , 341 S.E.2d 198 (1986).
Where an ordinance and statute are said to be in conflict, it is the duty of the courts to harmonize them, if reasonably possible, so that they can stand together. City of Virginia Beach v. Virginia Restaurant Ass'n, 231 Va. 130 , 341 S.E.2d 198 (1986).
In deciding whether an act is regulation or taxation, the court looks to whether the measure raises general revenues or whether it imposes charges that are directly tied to the administration of the particular regulatory scheme that is sought to be imposed. Where the enactment was solely to raise revenues for the city, generally, in the past, such a measure has been considered a tax rather than a regulation. City of Virginia Beach v. Virginia Restaurant Ass'n, 231 Va. 130 , 341 S.E.2d 198 (1986).
Given the frequent use of the word "tax" in other parts of the ABC Act, it was significant that it was not used in this section where the legislature prohibits certain actions by localities. City of Virginia Beach v. Virginia Restaurant Ass'n, 231 Va. 130 , 341 S.E.2d 198 (1986).
The ABC Act does not make manifest a legislative intent that no other enactments may touch upon alcoholic beverages in any way. City of Virginia Beach v. Virginia Restaurant Ass'n, 231 Va. 130 , 341 S.E.2d 198 (1986).
A court will not hold that a legislative enactment preempts the entire field unless the court can find in the statute a manifest intent on the part of the legislature to preempt the field. City of Virginia Beach v. Virginia Restaurant Ass'n, 231 Va. 130 , 341 S.E.2d 198 (1986).
Use of zoning to control location of establishments selling alcoholic beverages. - By enacting the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, the General Assembly did not intend to prohibit local governments from utilizing zoning as a means of controlling the location and concentration of establishments selling alcoholic beverages. City of Norfolk v. Tiny House, Inc., 222 Va. 414 , 281 S.E.2d 836 (1981).
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission's (now Board's) exclusive authority to license and regulate the sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages in Virginia does not preclude a municipality from utilizing valid zoning ordinances to regulate the location of an establishment selling such alcoholic beverages. City of Norfolk v. Tiny House, Inc., 222 Va. 414 , 281 S.E.2d 836 (1981).
Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission's (now Board's) exclusive authority to license and regulate alcohol sales did not preclude county from using zoning ordinances to prohibit lessee from selling alcoholic beverages at its sports complex. County of Chesterfield v. Windy Hill, Ltd., 263 Va. 197 , 559 S.E.2d 627, 2002 Va. LEXIS 33 (2002).
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Zoning ordinance exceeds powers granted by the General Assembly. - A county zoning ordinance for farm wineries, at least in part, is an invalid exercise of local authority because it exceeds the locality's delegated zoning authority and is preempted by state law governing alcoholic beverages. See opinion of Attorney General to the Honorable Christopher K. Peace, Member, House of Delegates, 12-063, 2013 Va. AG LEXIS 54 (7/19/13).
§ 4.1-129. Local ordinances regulating time of sale of wine and beer.
The governing body of each county may adopt ordinances effective in that portion of such county not embraced within the corporate limits of any incorporated town, and the governing body of each city and town may adopt ordinances effective in such city or town, prohibiting the sale of wine or beer, or both, between the hours of twelve o'clock p.m. on each Saturday and six o'clock a.m. on each Monday, or fixing hours within such period during which wine or beer, or both, may be sold. Such governing bodies shall provide for fines and other penalties for violations of any such ordinances which shall be enforced as if the violations were Class 1 misdemeanors, with a right of appeal pursuant to § 16.1-106. Such ordinances shall not affect the sale of wine and beer on common carriers of passengers by train, boat, or airplane.
A copy of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be certified by the clerk of the governing body adopting it and transmitted to the Board.
On and after the effective date of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section, no retail licensee authorized to sell wine or beer, or both, shall sell or permit the drinking of wine or beer on the premises of such licensee during the hours limited by the ordinance.
(Code 1950, § 4-97; 1993, c. 866.)
Cross references. - As to punishment for Class 1 misdemeanors, see § 18.2-11 .
CASE NOTES
When enabling act does not validate sale. - In former § 4-97 the legislature made it clear that the enabling act was not to validate the sale of beer on Sunday in a community or locality where it was not a work of necessity within the meaning of the Sunday law. Francisco v. Commonwealth, 180 Va. 371 , 23 S.E.2d 234 (1942) (decided under prior law).
§ 4.1-130. Importation of beverages not under customs or internal revenue bonds; storage in approved warehouses; release.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-310 , alcoholic beverages not under United States customs bonds or internal revenue bonds may be transported into and stored in the Commonwealth in warehouses which have been approved by the Board for that purpose. The Board may refuse to approve any warehouse as a place where alcoholic beverages may be stored if it has reasonable cause to believe that the owner or operator of the warehouse is a person to whom or the place sought to be approved is one for which the Board may refuse to grant a license under the provisions of § 4.1-222 , which shall apply mutatis mutandis, unless the provisions of such section are inapplicable. The Board may disapprove any warehouse which has been approved as a place where alcoholic beverages may be stored if it has reasonable cause to believe that a ground exists for which the Board may suspend or revoke a license under the provisions of § 4.1-225 , which shall apply mutatis mutandis, unless the provisions of such section are inapplicable.
-
Alcoholic beverages stored in warehouses in the Commonwealth pursuant to this section shall be released only on permits issued by the Board for delivery to the Board or to persons entitled to receive them within or outside the Commonwealth.
(1962, c. 200, § 4-84.1; 1993, c. 866.)
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, § 41.
§ 4.1-131. Importation of beverages under customs bonds and holding in warehouses; release.
- Alcoholic beverages may be imported into the Commonwealth under United States customs bonds and be held in the Commonwealth in United States customs bonded warehouses. Alcoholic beverages may be removed from any such warehouse, wherever situated, to such a warehouse located in the Commonwealth and be held in the Commonwealth.
- Alcoholic beverages so imported or removed to such warehouses in the Commonwealth shall be released from customs bonds in the Commonwealth only (i) for delivery to the Board, or to licensees entitled to receive them in the Commonwealth, as provided in § 4.1-310 ; (ii) to boats engaged in foreign trade, trade between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States, trade between the United States and any of its possessions outside of the several states and the District of Columbia, or for shipment outside of the Commonwealth; or (iii) in accordance with subsection C for the official or personal use of persons who are on duty in the United States as members of the armed forces of any foreign country, or their immediate family, authorized by federal laws and regulations to receive imported alcoholic beverages free of customs duties and internal revenue taxes.
-
Persons operating United States customs bonded warehouses and licensed as wholesalers or retailers may make sales and deliveries, in quantities determined by the Board, of alcoholic beverages held in customs bond to foreign armed forces personnel as provided in subsection B. Such sales may be made only on permits issued by the Board which shall cover the transportation of such imported alcoholic beverages, either by the operator of a customs bonded warehouse or purchaser from the operator, from such customs bonded warehouse to the place of duty or residence of such authorized persons.
(Code 1950, § 4-85; 1958, c. 394; 1960, c. 101; 1984, c. 128; 1993, c. 866.)
§ 4.1-132. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Transportation into or within Commonwealth under internal revenue bond and holding in warehouses; release.
- Alcoholic beverages may be transported into the Commonwealth under United States internal revenue bonds and be held in the Commonwealth in United States internal revenue bonded warehouses. Alcoholic beverages may be removed from any such warehouse, wherever situated, to such a warehouse located in the Commonwealth and be held in the Commonwealth.
- Alcoholic beverages may be transported within the Commonwealth under United States internal revenue bonds and be held in United States internal revenue bonded warehouses. Alcoholic beverages may be removed from any such warehouse and transported to a winery or farm winery licensee in accordance with § 4.1-207 .
- Alcoholic beverages so transported or removed to such warehouses in the Commonwealth shall be released from internal revenue bonds in the Commonwealth only on permits issued by the Board for delivery to (i) boats engaged in foreign trade, trade between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States, or trade between the United States and any of its possessions outside of the several states and the District of Columbia; (ii) installations of the United States Department of Defense; or (iii) holders of permits issued in accordance with subdivision A 14 of § 4.1-212 . (Code 1950, § 4-86; 1954, c. 21; 1993, c. 866; 2003, c. 564; 2006, c. 826.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-132 .
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 564 inserted present subsection B and redesignated former subsection B as subsection C; and in subsection C, deleted "or" preceding "(ii)," and inserted "or (iii) holders of permits issued in accordance with subdivision 14 of § 4.1-212 ."
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 826 inserted "A" following "subdivision" in clause (iii) of subsection C.
§ 4.1-132. (Effective January 1, 2022) Transportation into or within Commonwealth under internal revenue bond and holding in warehouses; release.
- Alcoholic beverages may be transported into the Commonwealth under United States internal revenue bonds and be held in the Commonwealth in United States internal revenue bonded warehouses. Alcoholic beverages may be removed from any such warehouse, wherever situated, to such a warehouse located in the Commonwealth and be held in the Commonwealth.
- Alcoholic beverages may be transported within the Commonwealth under United States internal revenue bonds and be held in United States internal revenue bonded warehouses. Alcoholic beverages may be removed from any such warehouse and transported to a winery or farm winery licensee in accordance with § 4.1-206.1 .
- Alcoholic beverages so transported or removed to such warehouses in the Commonwealth shall be released from internal revenue bonds in the Commonwealth only on permits issued by the Board for delivery to (i) boats engaged in foreign trade, trade between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States, or trade between the United States and any of its possessions outside of the several states and the District of Columbia; (ii) installations of the United States Department of Defense; or (iii) holders of permits issued in accordance with subdivision A 13 of § 4.1-212 . (Code 1950, § 4-86; 1954, c. 21; 1993, c. 866; 2003, c. 564; 2006, c. 826; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-132 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subsection B, substituted " § 4.1-206.1 " for " § 4.1-207 " in the second sentence at the end; and in subsection C, substituted "subdivision A 13" for "subdivision A 14."
§ 4.1-133. Bailment system of warehousing; prohibited fees and charges.
In the event that the Board adopts any regulation or policy providing for bailment warehousing operations or otherwise requiring that a vendor of alcoholic beverages retain ownership or legal title to beverages purchased or ordered for purchase by the Board for any period after the Board or its agent comes into physical possession of such beverages, the Board shall not impose upon any vendor required to provide stock under such bailment system any:
- Overstock fee or other charge based or premised in whole or in part upon the fact that a vendor has delivered to any warehouse, store or other facility owned or operated by the Board or its agent bailed stock in excess of any maximum inventory level established or suggested by the Board.
- Space reservation fee or other charge based or premised in whole or in part upon the fact that a vendor has delivered to any warehouse, store or other facility owned or operated by the Board or its agent bailed stock in a quantity less than any minimum inventory level established or suggested by the Board.
- Fee or charge for the movement of bailed stock within a bailment warehouse or other bailment facility, or from a bailment warehouse or other bailment facility to a work area in proximity to such warehouse or facility, not at the request of the vendor holding legal title to such stock for the purpose of inspecting such stock.
- Fee or charge for conducting a physical inventory of bailed stock at the request of the vendor holding legal title to such stock, provided that no more than two such requests have been made within the current fiscal year with respect to the particular item or brand of stock that is the subject of the request.
- Fee or charge for withdrawal of bailed stock by the vendor who retains legal title to such stock.
-
Fee or charge greater than fifteen dollars per hour for the placement of stock on pallets or other appurtenances designed to facilitate the movement of stock within the warehouse or other facility.
(1996, c. 692.)
Chapter 2. Administration of Licenses.
General Provisions.
Licenses Granted by Board; Limitations; Revocation and Suspension.
Applications for Licenses and Permits; Fees; Taxes.
Article 1. General Provisions.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, §§ 29, 33.
§ 4.1-200. Exemptions from licensure.
The licensure requirements of this chapter shall not apply to:
- A person in charge of an institution regularly conducted as a hospital or sanatorium for the care of persons in ill health, or as a home devoted exclusively to the care of aged people, who administers or causes to be administered alcoholic beverages to any bona fide patient or inmate of the institution who is in need of the same, either by way of external application or otherwise for emergency medicinal purposes. Such person may charge for the alcoholic beverages so administered, and carry such stock as may be necessary for this purpose. No charge shall be made of any patient for the alcoholic beverages so administered to him where the same have been supplied to the institution by the Board free of charge.
- The manufacture, sale and delivery or shipment by persons authorized under existing laws to engage in such business of any medicine containing sufficient medication to prevent it from being used as a beverage.
- The manufacture, sale and delivery or shipment by persons authorized under existing laws to engage in such business of any medicinal preparations manufactured in accordance with formulas prescribed by the United States pharmacopoeia; national formulary, patent and proprietary preparations; and other bona fide medicinal and technical preparations; which contain no more alcohol than is necessary to extract the medicinal properties of the drugs contained in such preparations, and no more alcohol than is necessary to hold the medicinal agents in solution and to preserve the same, and which are manufactured and sold to be used exclusively as medicine and not as beverages.
- The manufacture, sale and delivery or shipment of toilet, medicinal and antiseptic preparations and solutions not intended for internal human use nor to be sold as beverages.
- The manufacture and sale of food products known as flavoring extracts which are manufactured and sold for cooking and culinary purposes only and not sold as beverages.
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Any person who manufactures at his residence or at a gourmet brewing shop for domestic consumption at his residence, but not to be sold, dispensed or given away, except as hereinafter provided, wine or beer or both, in an amount not to exceed the limits permitted by federal law.
Any person who manufactures wine or beer in accordance with this subdivision may remove from his residence an amount not to exceed fifty liters of such wine or fifteen gallons of such beer on any one occasion for (i) personal or family use, provided such use does not violate the provisions of this title or Board regulations; (ii) giving to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold an amount not to exceed (a) one liter of wine per person per year or (b) seventy-two ounces of beer per person per year, provided such gift is for noncommercial purposes; or (iii) giving to any person to whom beer may lawfully be sold a sample of such wine or beer, not to exceed (a) one ounce of wine by volume or (b) two ounces of beer by volume for on-premises consumption at events organized for judging or exhibiting such wine or beer, including events held on the premises of a retail licensee. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize the sale of such wine or beer.
The provision of this subdivision shall not apply to any person who resides on property on which a winery, farm winery, or brewery is located.
- Any person who keeps and possesses lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages in his residence for his personal use or that of his family. However, such alcoholic beverages may be served or given to guests in such residence by such person, his family or servants when (i) such guests are 21 years of age or older or are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 years of age or older, (ii) the consumption or possession of such alcoholic beverages by family members or such guests occurs only in such residence where the alcoholic beverages are allowed to be served or given pursuant to this subdivision, and (iii) such service or gift is in no way a shift or device to evade the provisions of this title. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply when a person serves or provides alcoholic beverages to a guest occupying the residence as the lessee of a short-term rental, as that term is defined in § 15.2-983 , regardless of whether the person who permanently resides in the residence is present during the short-term rental.
- Any person who manufactures and sells cider to distillery licensees, or any person who manufactures wine from grapes grown by such person and sells it to winery licensees.
- The sale of wine and beer in or through canteens or post exchanges on United States reservations when permitted by the proper authority of the United States.
- The keeping and consumption of any lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages at a private meeting or private party limited in attendance to members and guests of a particular group, association or organization at a banquet or similar affair, or at a special event, if a banquet license has been granted. However, no banquet license shall be required for private meetings or private parties limited in attendance to the members of a common interest community as defined in § 54.1-2345 and their guests, provided (i) the alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, (ii) the premises where the alcoholic beverages are consumed is limited to the common area regularly occupied and utilized for such private meetings or private parties, and (iii) such meetings or parties are not open to the public. (Code 1950, §§ 4-50, 4-89, 4-90; 1954, c. 147; 1970, cc. 113, 541; 1972, cc. 75, 76, 741; 1973, c. 413; 1975, c. 408; 1976, c. 37; 1981, c. 410; 1984, c. 200; 1992, c. 349; 1993, c. 866; 1995, cc. 497, 518; 2001, c. 117; 2006, cc. 274, 740; 2010, c. 294; 2011, c. 8; 2017, c. 741.)
The 2001 amendments. - The 2001 amendment by c. 117, in subdivision 6, in the second paragraph, inserted "wine or" in five places, inserted "fifty liters of such wine or," inserted "(a) one liter of wine per person per year or (b)," inserted "of beer" in two places, inserted "(a) one ounce of wine by volume or (b)," and added the third paragraph.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendments by cc. 274 and 740 are nearly identical, and inserted "(i) such guests are 21 years of age or older or are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 years of age or older and (ii)" in the last sentence in subdivision 7.
Subdivision 7 is set out in the form above at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission.
The 2010 amendments. - The 2010 amendment by c. 294 inserted clause (ii) in subdivision 7 and made related changes.
The 2011 amendments. - The 2011 amendment by c. 8 added the last sentence in subdivision 10.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendment by c. 741 added the last sentence in subdivision 7.
§ 4.1-201. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Conduct not prohibited by this title; limitation.
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Nothing in this title or any Board regulation adopted pursuant thereto shall prohibit:
- Any club licensed under this chapter from keeping for consumption by its members any alcoholic beverages lawfully acquired by such members, provided the alcoholic beverages are not sold, dispensed or given away in violation of this title.
- Any person from having grain, fruit or fruit products and any other substance, when grown or lawfully produced by him, distilled by any distillery licensee, and selling the distilled alcoholic beverages to the Board or selling or shipping them to any person outside of the Commonwealth in accordance with Board regulations. However, no alcoholic beverages so distilled shall be withdrawn from the place where distilled except in accordance with Board regulations.
- Any person licensed to manufacture and sell, or either, in the Commonwealth or elsewhere, alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer, from soliciting and taking orders from the Board for such alcoholic beverages.
- The receipt by a person operating a licensed brewery of deliveries and shipments of beer in closed containers or the sale, delivery or shipment of such beer, in accordance with Board regulations to (i) persons licensed to sell beer at wholesale, (ii) persons licensed to sell beer at retail for the purpose of resale only as provided in subdivision B 4 of § 4.1-216 , (iii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iv) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- The granting of any retail license to a brewery, distillery, or winery licensee, or to an applicant for such license, or to a lessee of such person, a wholly owned subsidiary of such person, or its lessee, provided the places of business or establishments for which the retail licenses are desired are located upon the premises occupied or to be occupied by such distillery, winery, or brewery, or upon property of such person contiguous to such premises, or in a development contiguous to such premises owned and operated by such person or a wholly owned subsidiary.
- The receipt by a distillery licensee of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages, other than wine and beer, in closed containers from other distilleries, or the sale, delivery or shipment of such alcoholic beverages, in accordance with Board regulations, to the Board and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- The receipt by a farm winery or winery licensee of deliveries and shipments of wine in closed containers from other wineries or farm wineries located inside or outside the Commonwealth, or the receipt by a winery licensee or farm winery licensee of deliveries and shipments of spirits distilled from fruit or fruit juices in closed containers from distilleries located inside or outside the Commonwealth to be used only for the fortification of wine produced by the licensee in accordance with Board regulations, or the sale, delivery or shipment of such wine, in accordance with Board regulations, to persons licensed to sell wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- The receipt by a fruit distillery licensee of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages made from fruit or fruit juices in closed containers from other fruit distilleries owned by such licensee, or the sale, delivery or shipment of such alcoholic beverages, in accordance with Board regulations, to persons outside of the Commonwealth for resale outside of the Commonwealth.
- Any farm winery or winery licensee from shipping or delivering its wine in closed containers to another farm winery or winery licensee for the purpose of additional bottling in accordance with Board regulations and the return of the wine so bottled to the manufacturing farm winery or winery licensee.
- Any farm winery or winery licensee from selling and shipping or delivering its wine in closed containers to another farm winery or winery licensee, the wine so sold and shipped or delivered to be used by the receiving licensee in the manufacture of wine. Any wine received under this subsection shall be deemed an agricultural product produced in the Commonwealth for the purposes of § 4.1-219 , to the extent it is produced from fresh fruits or agricultural products grown or produced in the Commonwealth. The selling licensee shall provide to the receiving licensee, and both shall maintain complete and accurate records of, the source of the fresh fruits or agricultural products used to produce the wine so transferred.
- Any retail on-premises beer licensee, his agent or employee, from giving a sample of beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption, or retail on-premises wine or beer licensee, his agent or employee, from giving a sample of wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption, or any mixed beverage licensee, his agent or employee, from giving a sample of wine, beer, or spirits to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption. Samples of wine shall not exceed two ounces, samples of beer shall not exceed four ounces, and samples of spirits shall not exceed one-half ounce. No more than two product samples shall be given to any person per visit.
- Any manufacturer, including any vendor authorized by any such manufacturer, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, from selling service items bearing alcoholic brand references to on-premises retail licensees or prohibit any such retail licensee from displaying the service items on the premises of his licensed establishment. Each such retail licensee purchasing such service items shall retain a copy of the evidence of his payment to the manufacturer or authorized vendor for a period of not less than two years from the date of each sale of the service items. As used in this subdivision, "service items" mean articles of tangible personal property normally used by the employees of on-premises retail licensees to serve alcoholic beverages to customers including, but not limited to, glasses, napkins, buckets, and coasters.
- Any employee of an alcoholic beverage wholesaler or manufacturer, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, from distributing to retail licensees and their employees novelties and specialties, including wearing apparel, having a wholesale value of $10 or less and that bear alcoholic beverage advertising. Such items may be distributed to retail licensees in quantities equal to the number of employees of the retail establishment present at the time the items are delivered. Thereafter, such employees may wear or display the items on the licensed premises.
- Any (i) retail on-premises wine or beer licensee, his agent or employee from offering for sale or selling for one price to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold a flight of wines or beers consisting of samples of not more than five different wines or beers and (ii) mixed beverage licensee, his agent or employee from offering for sale or selling for one price to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold a flight of distilled spirits consisting of samples of not more than five different spirits products.
- Any restaurant licensed under this chapter from permitting the consumption of lawfully acquired wine, beer, or cider by bona fide customers on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license, provided that (i) all such wine, beer, or cider shall have been acquired by the customer from a retailer licensed to sell such alcoholic beverages and (ii) no such wine, beer, or cider shall be brought onto the licensed premises by the customer except in sealed, nonresealable bottles or cans. The licensee may charge a corkage fee to such customer for the wine, beer, or cider so consumed; however, the licensee shall not charge any other fee to such customer.
- Any winery, farm winery, wine importer, or wine wholesaler licensee from providing to adult customers of licensed retail establishments information about wine being consumed on such premises.
- Any private swim club operated by a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association from allowing members to bring lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages onto the premises of such club and consume such alcoholic beverages on the premises of such club.
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No deliveries or shipments of alcoholic beverages to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth shall be made into any state the laws of which prohibit the consignee from receiving or selling the same.
(Code 1950, § 4-89; 1954, c. 147; 1970, cc. 113, 541; 1972, cc. 75, 76; 1973, c. 413; 1975, c. 408; 1981, c. 410; 1984, c. 200; 1992, c. 349; 1993, c. 866; 1995, cc. 253, 317; 1997, c. 386; 2000, c. 786; 2003, c. 630; 2004, c. 379; 2006, cc. 106, 826; 2007, c. 820; 2011, c. 559; 2012, c. 376; 2013, c. 604; 2014, cc. 123, 455; 2015, cc. 404, 604; 2016, c. 26; 2018, c. 172.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-201 .
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendment by c. 786, in subdivision A 7, deleted the clause (i) and (ii) designations; and inserted "the receipt by a winery licensee or farm winery licensee of deliveries and shipments of spirits" near the beginning of the subdivision.
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 630 added subdivision A 10.
The 2004 amendments. - The 2004 amendment by c. 379 substituted "title" for "chapter" in the introductory paragraph of subsection A; in subdivision A 7, inserted "farm winery or," substituted "or farm wineries located inside or outside the Commonwealth" for "owned by such licensee," and inserted "located inside or outside the Commonwealth"; and in subdivision A 9, inserted "or winery" in three places.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 106 added subdivision A 11.
The 2006 amendment by c. 826, in subsection A, substituted "Nothing in this title or any Board regulation adopted pursuant thereto shall" for "This title shall not" in the introductory paragraph and added subdivisions A 12 through A 15.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 820 substitued "subsection D of § 4.1-119 " for "subsection C of § 4.1-119 " in subdivision A 11.
The 2011 amendments. - The 2011 amendment by c. 559 added subdivision A 16.
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendment by c. 376 deleted "from other breweries owned by such person" following "in closed containers" in subdivision A 4.
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendment by c. 604 inserted "distillery" twice in subdivision A 5.
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendments by c. 123, effective July 1, 2014, and c. 455, effective March 31, 2014, are identical and added subdivision A 17.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 404 in subdivision A 14, inserted the clause (i) designation and added clause (ii).
The 2015 amendment by c. 604 deleted former subdivision A 11 and redesignated former subdivisions A 12 through A 17 as A 11 through A 16.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 26, inserted "beer, or cider" preceding "by bona fide customers" and added the proviso at the end of the first sentence in subdivision A 15.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 172 added subdivision A 17.
§ 4.1-201. (Effective January 1, 2022) Conduct not prohibited by this title; limitation.
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Nothing in this title or any Board regulation adopted pursuant thereto shall prohibit:
- Any club licensed under this chapter from keeping for consumption by its members any alcoholic beverages lawfully acquired by such members, provided the alcoholic beverages are not sold, dispensed or given away in violation of this title.
- Any person from having grain, fruit or fruit products and any other substance, when grown or lawfully produced by him, distilled by any distillery licensee, and selling the distilled alcoholic beverages to the Board or selling or shipping them to any person outside of the Commonwealth in accordance with Board regulations. However, no alcoholic beverages so distilled shall be withdrawn from the place where distilled except in accordance with Board regulations.
- Any person licensed to manufacture and sell, or either, in the Commonwealth or elsewhere, alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer, from soliciting and taking orders from the Board for such alcoholic beverages.
- The receipt by a person operating a licensed brewery of deliveries and shipments of beer in closed containers or the sale, delivery or shipment of such beer, in accordance with Board regulations to (i) persons licensed to sell beer at wholesale, (ii) persons licensed to sell beer at retail for the purpose of resale only as provided in subdivision B 4 of § 4.1-216 , (iii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iv) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- The granting of any retail license to a brewery, distillery, or winery licensee, or to an applicant for such license, or to a lessee of such person, a wholly owned subsidiary of such person, or its lessee, provided the places of business or establishments for which the retail licenses are desired are located upon the premises occupied or to be occupied by such distillery, winery, or brewery, or upon property of such person contiguous to such premises, or in a development contiguous to such premises owned and operated by such person or a wholly owned subsidiary.
- The receipt by a distillery licensee of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages, other than wine and beer, in closed containers from other distilleries, or the sale, delivery or shipment of such alcoholic beverages, in accordance with Board regulations, to the Board and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- The receipt by a farm winery or winery licensee of deliveries and shipments of wine in closed containers from other wineries or farm wineries located inside or outside the Commonwealth, or the receipt by a winery licensee or farm winery licensee of deliveries and shipments of spirits distilled from fruit or fruit juices in closed containers from distilleries located inside or outside the Commonwealth to be used only for the fortification of wine produced by the licensee in accordance with Board regulations, or the sale, delivery or shipment of such wine, in accordance with Board regulations, to persons licensed to sell wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- Any farm winery or winery licensee from shipping or delivering its wine in closed containers to another farm winery or winery licensee for the purpose of additional bottling in accordance with Board regulations and the return of the wine so bottled to the manufacturing farm winery or winery licensee.
- Any farm winery or winery licensee from selling and shipping or delivering its wine in closed containers to another farm winery or winery licensee, the wine so sold and shipped or delivered to be used by the receiving licensee in the manufacture of wine. Any wine received under this subsection shall be deemed an agricultural product produced in the Commonwealth for the purposes of § 4.1-219 , to the extent it is produced from fresh fruits or agricultural products grown or produced in the Commonwealth. The selling licensee shall provide to the receiving licensee, and both shall maintain complete and accurate records of, the source of the fresh fruits or agricultural products used to produce the wine so transferred.
- Any retail on-and-off-premises wine and beer licensee, his agent or employee, from giving a sample of wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption, or any mixed beverage licensee, his agent or employee, from giving a sample of wine, beer, or spirits to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption. Samples of wine shall not exceed two ounces, samples of beer shall not exceed four ounces, and samples of spirits shall not exceed one-half ounce, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits. No more than 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or three ounces of spirits shall be given to any person per day.
- Any manufacturer, including any vendor authorized by any such manufacturer, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, from selling service items bearing alcoholic brand references to on-premises retail licensees or prohibit any such retail licensee from displaying the service items on the premises of his licensed establishment. Each such retail licensee purchasing such service items shall retain a copy of the evidence of his payment to the manufacturer or authorized vendor for a period of not less than two years from the date of each sale of the service items. As used in this subdivision, "service items" mean articles of tangible personal property normally used by the employees of on-premises retail licensees to serve alcoholic beverages to customers including, but not limited to, glasses, napkins, buckets, and coasters.
- Any employee of an alcoholic beverage wholesaler or manufacturer, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, from distributing to retail licensees and their employees novelties and specialties, including wearing apparel, having a wholesale value of $10 or less and that bear alcoholic beverage advertising. Such items may be distributed to retail licensees in quantities equal to the number of employees of the retail establishment present at the time the items are delivered. Thereafter, such employees may wear or display the items on the licensed premises.
- Any (i) retail on-premises wine and beer licensee, his agent or employee from offering for sale or selling for one price to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold a flight of wines or beers consisting of samples of not more than five different wines or beers and (ii) mixed beverage licensee, his agent or employee from offering for sale or selling for one price to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold a flight of distilled spirits consisting of samples of not more than five different spirits products.
- Any restaurant licensed under this chapter from permitting the consumption of lawfully acquired wine, beer, or cider by bona fide customers on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license, provided that (i) all such wine, beer, or cider shall have been acquired by the customer from a retailer licensed to sell such alcoholic beverages and (ii) no such wine, beer, or cider shall be brought onto the licensed premises by the customer except in sealed, nonresealable bottles or cans. The licensee may charge a corkage fee to such customer for the wine, beer, or cider so consumed; however, the licensee shall not charge any other fee to such customer.
- Any winery, farm winery, wine importer, wine wholesaler, brewery, limited brewery, beer importer, beer wholesaler, or distiller licensee from providing to adult customers of licensed retail establishments information about wine, beer, or spirits being consumed on such premises.
- Any private swim club operated by a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association from allowing members to bring lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages onto the premises of such club and consume such alcoholic beverages on the premises of such club.
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No deliveries or shipments of alcoholic beverages to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth shall be made into any state the laws of which prohibit the consignee from receiving or selling the same.
(Code 1950, § 4-89; 1954, c. 147; 1970, cc. 113, 541; 1972, cc. 75, 76; 1973, c. 413; 1975, c. 408; 1981, c. 410; 1984, c. 200; 1992, c. 349; 1993, c. 866; 1995, cc. 253, 317; 1997, c. 386; 2000, c. 786; 2003, c. 630; 2004, c. 379; 2006, cc. 106, 826; 2007, c. 820; 2011, c. 559; 2012, c. 376; 2013, c. 604; 2014, cc. 123, 455; 2015, cc. 404, 604; 2016, c. 26; 2018, c. 172; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-201 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and deleted subdivision A 8, which read: "The receipt by a fruit distillery licensee of deliveries and shipments of alcoholic beverages made from fruit or fruit juices in closed containers from other fruit distilleries owned by such licensee, or the sale, delivery or shipment of such alcoholic beverages, in accordance with Board regulations, to persons outside of the Commonwealth for resale outside of the Commonwealth" and renumbered accordingly; in subdivision A 10 in the first sentence, substituted "Any retail on-and-off-premises wine and beer licensee" for "Any retail on-premises beer licensee, his agent or employee, from giving a sample of beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for on-premises consumption, or retail on-premises wine or beer licensee," and in the penultimate sentence, added "unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits", and in the last sentence, substituted "12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or three ounces of spirits" for "two product samples" and "day" for "visit"; in subdivision A 13, substituted "wine and beer licensee" for "wine or beer licensee" in clause (i); in subdivision A 15, inserted "brewery, limited brewery, beer importer, beer wholesaler, or distiller" and "beer, or spirits" and made stylistic changes.
§ 4.1-201.1. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Conduct not prohibited by this title; tastings conducted by manufacturers, wine or beer wholesalers, and authorized representatives.
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Manufacturers of alcoholic beverages, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, and wine or beer wholesalers may conduct tastings of wine, beer, or spirits within hotels, restaurants, and clubs licensed for on-premises consumption provided:
- The tastings are conducted only by (i) employees of such manufacturers or wholesalers or (ii) authorized representatives of such manufacturers or wholesalers, which authorized representatives have obtained a permit in accordance with subdivision A 15 of § 4.1-212 ;
- Such employees or authorized representatives are present while the tastings are being conducted;
- No category of alcoholic beverage products is offered to consumers unless the retail licensee on whose premises the tasting is conducted is licensed to sell that category of alcoholic beverage product;
- All alcoholic beverage products used in the tasting are served to the consumer by employees of the retail licensee;
- The quantity of wine, beer, or spirits provided to any person during the tasting does not exceed 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or one and one-half ounces of spirits; however, for any spirits tastings, no single sample shall exceed one-half ounce per spirits product offered and no more than three spirits products may be offered to any patron; and
- All alcoholic beverage products used in the tasting are purchased from the retail licensee on whose premises the tasting is conducted; except that no more than $100 may be expended by or on behalf of any such manufacturer or wholesaler at any retail licensed premises during any 24-hour period. For the purposes of this subdivision, the $100 limitation shall be exclusive of taxes and gratuities, which gratuities may not exceed 20 percent of the cost of the alcoholic beverages, including taxes, for the alcoholic beverages purchased for the tasting.
- Manufacturers, wholesalers, and their authorized representatives shall keep complete records of each tasting authorized by this section for a period of not less than two years, which records shall include the date and place of each tasting conducted and the dollar amount expended by the manufacturer, wholesaler, or his agent or representative in the purchase of the alcoholic beverages used in the tasting.
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Manufacturers and wholesalers shall be held liable for any violation of this section committed by their employees or authorized representative in connection with their employment or representation at any tasting event.
(2006, c. 826; 2007, cc. 452, 722.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-201.1 .
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendments by cc. 452 and 722 are identical, and added the last sentence in subdivision A 6.
§ 4.1-201.1. (Effective January 1, 2022) Conduct not prohibited by this title; tastings conducted by manufacturers, wine or beer wholesalers, and authorized representatives.
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Manufacturers of alcoholic beverages, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, and wine or beer wholesalers may conduct tastings of wine, beer, or spirits within hotels, restaurants, and clubs licensed for on-premises consumption provided:
- The tastings are conducted only by (i) employees of such manufacturers or wholesalers or (ii) authorized representatives of such manufacturers or wholesalers, which authorized representatives have obtained a permit in accordance with subdivision A 14 of § 4.1-212 ;
- Such employees or authorized representatives are present while the tastings are being conducted;
- No category of alcoholic beverage products is offered to consumers unless the retail licensee on whose premises the tasting is conducted is licensed to sell that category of alcoholic beverage product;
- All alcoholic beverage products used in the tasting are served to the consumer by employees of the retail licensee;
- The quantity of wine, beer, or spirits provided to any person during the tasting does not exceed 16 ounces of beer, six ounces of wine, or one and one-half ounces of spirits; however, for any spirits tastings, no single sample shall exceed one-half ounce of spirits, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits; and
- All alcoholic beverage products used in the tasting are purchased from the retail licensee on whose premises the tasting is conducted; except that no more than $100 may be expended by or on behalf of any such manufacturer or wholesaler at any retail licensed premises during any 24-hour period. For the purposes of this subdivision, the $100 limitation shall be exclusive of taxes and gratuities, which gratuities may not exceed 20 percent of the cost of the alcoholic beverages, including taxes, for the alcoholic beverages purchased for the tasting.
- Manufacturers, wholesalers, and their authorized representatives shall keep complete records of each tasting authorized by this section for a period of not less than two years, which records shall include the date and place of each tasting conducted and the dollar amount expended by the manufacturer, wholesaler, or his agent or representative in the purchase of the alcoholic beverages used in the tasting.
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Manufacturers and wholesalers shall be held liable for any violation of this section committed by their employees or authorized representative in connection with their employment or representation at any tasting event.
(2006, c. 826; 2007, cc. 452, 722; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-201.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subdivision A 1, substituted "subdivision A 14" for "subdivision A 15" in clause (ii); and in subdivision A 5, substituted "16 ounces of beer, six ounces of wine" for "12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine" and "one-half ounce of spirits, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample of spirits may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits" for "one-half ounce per spirits product offered and no more than three spirits products may be offered to any patron."
§ 4.1-202. To whom privileges conferred by licenses extend; liability for violations of law.
The privilege of any licensee to sell or serve alcoholic beverages shall extend to such licensee and to all agents or employees of such licensee for the purpose of selling or serving alcoholic beverages under such license. The licensee may be held liable for any violation of this title or any Board regulation committed by such agents or employees in connection with their employment.
(1968, c. 7, § 4-98.4; 1981, c. 381, § 4-37.2; 1993, c. 866.)
CIRCUIT COURT OPINIONS
Imputed knowledge of illegal drug sales. - Substantial evidence clearly supported the revocation of a license to sell alcoholic beverages pursuant to subdivision 1 p of § 4.1-225 where the licensee employed two convicted felons, who sold and distributed drugs on the licensee's premises at the same time as they were serving as agents or servants of the licensee. This section imputed to the licensee knowledge of the activity of its agents or employees, which satisfied the knowledge requirement of § 4.1-225 . Smitty's Inc. v. Va. Dep't of Alcohol Bev. Control,, 2010 Va. Cir. LEXIS 11 (Amherst County Jan. 13, 2010).
§ 4.1-203. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Separate license for each place of business; transfer or amendment; posting; expiration; carriers.
- Each license granted by the Board shall designate the place where the business of the licensee will be carried on. Except as otherwise provided in §§ 4.1-207 and 4.1-208 , a separate license shall be required for each separate place of business.
- No license shall be transferable from one person to another, or from one location to another. The Board may permit a licensee to amend the classification of an existing license without complying with the posting and publishing procedures required by § 4.1-230 if the effect of the amendment is to reduce materially the privileges of an existing license. However, if (i) the Board determines that the amendment is a device to evade the provisions of this chapter, (ii) a majority of the corporate stock of a retail licensee is sold to a new entity, or (iii) there is a change of business at the premises of a retail licensee, the Board may, within 30 days of receipt of written notice by the licensee of a change in ownership or a change of business, require the licensee to comply with any or all of the requirements of § 4.1-230 . If the Board fails to exercise its authority within the 30-day period, the licensee shall not be required to reapply for a license. The licensee shall submit such written notice to the Secretary of the Board.
- Each license shall be posted in a location conspicuous to the public at the place where the licensee carries on the business for which the license is granted.
-
The privileges conferred by any license granted by the Board, except for temporary licenses, banquet and mixed beverage special events licenses, shall continue until the last day of the twelfth month next ensuing or the last day of the designated month and year of expiration, except the license may be sooner terminated for any cause for which the Board would be entitled to refuse to grant a license, by operation of law, voluntary surrender or order of the Board.
The Board may grant licenses for one year or for multiple years, not to exceed three years, based on the fees set forth in §
4.1-231
. Qualification for a multiyear license shall be determined on the basis of criteria established by the Board. Fees for multiyear licenses shall not be refundable except as provided in §
4.1-232
. The Board may provide a discount for two-year or three-year licenses, not to exceed five percent of the applicable license fee, which extends for one fiscal year and shall not be altered or rescinded during such period.
The Board may permit a licensee who fails to pay:
- The required license tax covering the continuation or reissuance of his license by midnight of the fifteenth day of the twelfth month or of the designated month of expiration, whichever is applicable, to pay the tax in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the tax is made within 30 days following that date and is accompanied by a civil penalty of $25 or 10 percent of such tax, whichever is greater; and
- The tax and civil penalty pursuant to subdivision 1 to pay the tax in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the tax is made within 45 days following the 30 days specified in subdivision 1 and is accompanied by a civil penalty of $100 or 25 percent of such tax, whichever is greater. Such civil penalties collected by the Board shall be deposited in accordance with § 4.1-114 .
-
Subsections A and C shall not apply to common carriers of passengers by train, boat, or airplane.
(Code 1950, § 4-34; 1972, c. 178; 1974, c. 460; 1980, c. 524; 1984, c. 180; 1993, cc. 424, 866; 1997, c. 37; 2007, cc. 870, 932; 2013, c. 642; 2015, c. 412.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-203 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, c. 424 amended former § 4-34, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, the 1993 amendment by c. 424 has been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 424, the last sentence of subsection B was added.
Acts 2007, cc. 870 and 932, cl. 3 provides: "That the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall implement the provisions of this act consistent with an opinion of the Attorney General dated April 18, 2006, within 90 days of the effective date of this act."
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendments by cc. 870 and 932, effective April 4, 2007, are identical, and inserted "Except as otherwise provided in §§ 4.1-207 and 4.1-208 " at the beginning of the last sentence in subsection A.
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendments by c. 642, in subsection D, rewrote the second paragraph, which formerly read: "The Board may permit a licensee who fails to pay by midnight of the fifteenth day of the twelfth month or of the designated month of expiration, whichever is applicable, the required license tax covering the continuation or reissuance of his license, to pay the tax in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the tax is made within thirty days following that date and is accompanied by a civil penalty of twenty-five dollars or ten percent of such tax, whichever is greater," and added the last paragraph thereof; and made minor stylistic changes.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 412 in subsection D, inserted "and year" preceding "of expiration" and added the second paragraph.
CASE NOTES
Grounds for suspension must be charged. - When the statutory scheme is viewed in its totality, the Commission (now Board) must notify the licensee of a specific reason for a proposed suspension and the evidence produced must substantiate the violation charged. The Commission (now Board) may not, therefore, suspend a license for a violation not charged. Atkinson v. Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Comm'n, 1 Va. App. 172, 336 S.E.2d 527 (1985) (decided under prior law).
Improper transfer of license irrelevant to other civil liability of licensee. - The fact that a licensee may have violated that part of the ABC Act which prohibits transfer of a license from one person to another is irrelevant to a determination whether civil liability for damages may properly be assessed against such licensee where tenant's employee assaults a business invitee of tenant, causing personal injuries. Harbour Enters., Inc. v. Ferro, 231 Va. 71 , 340 S.E.2d 818 (1986) (decided under prior law).
Board retains authority to revoke or reconsider. - The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board retained authority to revoke the plaintiff's licenses after he voluntarily surrendered them. Branch v. Virginia Dep't of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 21 Va. App. 242, 463 S.E.2d 340 (1995).
It was unnecessary for the ABC Board to remand this case for a de novo hearing before a hearing officer. On remand, the ABC Board has the authority pursuant to its regulations to reconsider its decision. Branch v. Virginia Dep't of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 21 Va. App. 242, 463 S.E.2d 340 (1995).
§ 4.1-203. (Effective January 1, 2022) Separate license for each place of business; transfer or amendment; posting; expiration; carriers.
- Each license granted by the Board shall designate the place where the business of the licensee will be carried on. Except as otherwise provided in §§ 4.1-206.1 , 4.1-206.2 , and 4.1-206.3 , a separate license shall be required for each separate place of business.
- No license shall be transferable from one person to another, or from one location to another. The Board may permit a licensee to amend the classification of an existing license without complying with the posting and publishing procedures required by § 4.1-230 if the effect of the amendment is to reduce materially the privileges of an existing license. However, if (i) the Board determines that the amendment is a device to evade the provisions of this chapter, (ii) a majority of the corporate stock of a retail licensee is sold to a new entity, or (iii) there is a change of business at the premises of a retail licensee, the Board may, within 30 days of receipt of written notice by the licensee of a change in ownership or a change of business, require the licensee to comply with any or all of the requirements of § 4.1-230 . If the Board fails to exercise its authority within the 30-day period, the licensee shall not be required to reapply for a license. The licensee shall submit such written notice to the Secretary of the Board.
- Each license shall be posted in a location conspicuous to the public at the place where the licensee carries on the business for which the license is granted.
-
The privileges conferred by any license granted by the Board, except for temporary licenses, banquet and mixed beverage special events licenses, shall continue until the last day of the twelfth month next ensuing or the last day of the designated month and year of expiration, except the license may be sooner terminated for any cause for which the Board would be entitled to refuse to grant a license, by operation of law, voluntary surrender or order of the Board.
The Board may grant licenses for one year or for multiple years, not to exceed three years, based on the fees set forth in §
4.1-231.1
. Qualification for a multiyear license shall be determined on the basis of criteria established by the Board. Fees for multiyear licenses shall not be refundable except as provided in §
4.1-232
. The Board may provide a discount for two-year or three-year licenses, not to exceed five percent of the applicable license fee, which extends for one fiscal year and shall not be altered or rescinded during such period.
The Board may permit a licensee who fails to pay:
- The required license tax covering the continuation or reissuance of his license by midnight of the fifteenth day of the twelfth month or of the designated month of expiration, whichever is applicable, to pay the tax in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the tax is made within 30 days following that date and is accompanied by a civil penalty of $25 or 10 percent of such tax, whichever is greater; and
- The tax and civil penalty pursuant to subdivision 1 to pay the tax in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the tax is made within 45 days following the 30 days specified in subdivision 1 and is accompanied by a civil penalty of $100 or 25 percent of such tax, whichever is greater. Such civil penalties collected by the Board shall be deposited in accordance with § 4.1-114 .
-
Subsections A and C shall not apply to common carriers of passengers by train, boat, bus, or airplane.
(Code 1950, § 4-34; 1972, c. 178; 1974, c. 460; 1980, c. 524; 1984, c. 180; 1993, cc. 424, 866; 1997, c. 37; 2007, cc. 870, 932; 2013, c. 642; 2015, c. 412; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-203 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subsection A, substituted " §§ 4.1-206.1 , 4.1-206.2 , and 4.1-206.3 " for " §§ 4.1-207 and 4.1-208 "; in subsection D, second paragraph, substituted " § 4.1-231.1 " for " § 4.1-231 " in the first sentence; and in subsection E, inserted "bus."
§ 4.1-203.1. Managers of licensed retail establishments.
The Board may suspend or revoke any license if it finds that the licensee has been convicted for a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(f), as amended, for actions of its managers or otherwise constituting a pattern or practice of employing unauthorized aliens on the licensed premises in the Commonwealth.
(2012, c. 643.)
§ 4.1-204. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Records of licensees; inspection of records and places of business.
- Manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers. - Every licensed manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler shall keep complete, accurate and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all alcoholic beverages purchased, manufactured, bottled, sold or shipped by him, and the applicable tax required by § 4.1-234 or 4.1-236 , if any.
-
Retailers. - Every retail licensee shall keep complete, accurate and separate records, in accordance with Board regulations, of all purchases of alcoholic beverages, the prices charged such licensee therefor, and the names and addresses of the persons from whom purchased. Every retail licensee shall also preserve all invoices showing his purchases for a period as specified by Board regulations. He shall also keep an accurate account of daily sales, showing quantities of alcoholic beverages sold and the total price charged by him therefor. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, such account need not give the names or addresses of the purchasers thereof, except as may be required by Board regulation for the sale of alcoholic beverages in kegs. In the case of persons holding retail licenses which require sales of food to determine their qualifications for such licenses, the records shall also include purchases and sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection F, electronic records of retail licensees may be stored off site, provided that such records are readily retrievable and available for electronic inspection by the Board or its special agents at the licensed premises. However, in the case that such electronic records are not readily available for electronic inspection on the licensed premises, the retail licensee may obtain Board approval, for good cause shown, to permit the retail licensee to provide the records to a special agent of the Board within three business days or less, as determined by the Board, after a request is made to inspect the records.
- Common carriers. - Common carriers of passengers by train, boat, or airplane shall keep records of purchases and sales of alcoholic beverages and food as required by Board regulation.
- Wine shippers and beer shippers. - Every wine shipper licensee and every beer shipper licensee shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all shipments of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such licensees shall also remit on a monthly basis an accurate account stating whether any wine, farm wine, or beer products were sold and shipped and, if so, stating the total quantities of wine and beer sold and the total price charged for such wine and beer. Such records shall include the names and addresses of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is shipped.
- Delivery permittees. - Every holder of a delivery permit issued pursuant to § 4.1-212.1 shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records for a period of at least two years in accordance with Board regulations of all deliveries of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such records shall include (i) the brands of wine and beer sold, (ii) the total quantities of wine and beer sold, (iii) the total price charged for such wine and beer, and (iv) the names, addresses, and signatures of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is delivered. Such purchaser signatures may be in an electronic format. Permittees shall remit such records on a monthly basis for any month during which the permittee makes a delivery for which the permittee is required to collect and remit excise taxes due to the Authority pursuant to subsection G of § 4.1-212.1 .
-
Inspection. - The Board and its special agents shall be allowed free access during reasonable hours to every place in the Commonwealth and to the premises of both (i) every wine shipper licensee and beer shipper licensee and (ii) every delivery permittee wherever located where alcoholic beverages are manufactured, bottled, stored, offered for sale or sold, for the purpose of examining and inspecting such place and all records, invoices and accounts therein. The Board may engage the services of alcoholic beverage control authorities in any state to assist with the inspection of the premises of a wine shipper licensee, a beer shipper licensee, or delivery permittee, or any applicant for such license or permit.
For purposes of a Board inspection of the records of any retail licensees, "reasonable hours" means the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; however, if the licensee generally is not open to the public substantially during the same hours, "reasonable hours" shall mean the business hours when the licensee is open to the public. At any other time of day, if the retail licensee's records are not available for inspection, the retailer shall provide the records to a special agent of the Board within 24 hours after a request is made to inspect the records.
(Code 1950, § 4-44; 1958, c. 192; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.6; 1970, c. 784; 1988, c. 261, §§ 4-134, 4-135, 4-137; 1992, cc. 161, 220; 1993, c. 866; 2003, cc. 1029, 1030; 2007, cc. 99, 799; 2008, c. 513; 2018, c. 729; 2019, c. 706; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section set out three times. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-204 . For the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the third version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-204 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendments by cc. 1029 and 1030 are identical, and added "Except as otherwise provided in subsection D" in the fourth sentence of subsection B; inserted present subsection D and redesignated former subsection D as present subsection E; and in subsection E, inserted "and to the premises of every wine shipper licensee and beer shipper licensee wherever located" in the first sentence, and added the last sentence.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendments by cc. 99 and 799 are nearly identical, and added subsection E; and redesignated former subsection E as present subsection F and in the first sentence of subsection F, inserted "both (i)" and "and (ii) every delivery permittee" and in the last sentence, inserted "or delivery permittee" and "or permit" and made a related change. Additionally, Acts 2007, c. 799, deleted a section symbol preceding "4.1-236" in subsection A.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 513 added the last paragraph in subsection F.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 729 added the second paragraph to subsection B.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendment by c. 706 rewrote subsection E, which read: "Delivery permittees. - Every holder of a delivery permit issued pursuant to § 4.1-212.1 shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all deliveries of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such permittees shall also remit on a monthly basis an accurate account that sets forth the total quantities of wine and beer sold and the total price charged for such wine and beer. Such records shall include the names and addresses of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is delivered. If no wine or beer was sold and delivered in any month, the permittee shall not be required to submit a report to the Board for that month; however, every permittee must submit a report to the Board no less frequently than once every 12 months even if no sales or deliveries have been made in the preceding 12 months."
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the version of the section effective until January 1, 2022, substituted "subsection G" for "subsection D" in subsection E. For expiration date, see Editor's note.
CASE NOTES
Search and seizure. - Subsection F of § 4.1-204 does not provide agents of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control with free access, but rather the statute places the burden on both licensees and applicants for a license to provide such access. The statute does not give ABC agents the right to raid with impunity the records and businesses of either applicants or licensees. Osburn v. Va. Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 67 Va. App. 1, 792 S.E.2d 276 (2016), aff'd in part and vacated in part by Osburn v. Va. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 295 Va. 10 , 810 S.E.2d 262 (2018).
Circuit court did not err in upholding appellant's termination as a special agent with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control because appellant's search of a license applicant's office violated the Fourth Amendment in contravention of ABC policy. Although the search was initially within the highly regulated industry exception to the warrant requirement, appellant's search of the business office took the search outside the realm of the exception because appellant did not obtain consent from the business owner to enter the office and search business documents. Osburn v. Va. Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 67 Va. App. 1, 792 S.E.2d 276 (2016), aff'd in part and vacated in part by Osburn v. Va. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 295 Va. 10 , 810 S.E.2d 262 (2018).
Subsection F of § 4.1-204 only provides a constitutionally adequate substitute for a warrant in the form of the applicant's own consent to the search and provides no other substitute for a warrant aside from the applicant's consent. Therefore, under the statutory scheme, agents of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control must either obtain an inspection warrant or obtain the consent of an applicant or licensee to search the premises. Osburn v. Va. Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 67 Va. App. 1, 792 S.E.2d 276 (2016), aff'd in part and vacated in part by Osburn v. Va. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 295 Va. 10 , 810 S.E.2d 262 (2018).
Termination of a special agent with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was appropriate because the agent violated the constitutional rights of an applicant for a retail alcohol license by searching the applicant's business office in back of a restaurant during a site visit without the applicant's knowledge or consent. The exception for warrantless inspections of businesses engaged in highly regulated industries was not applicable because prior to licensure, applicants for licenses were not subject to the warrantless searches. Osburn v. Va. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 295 Va. 10 , 810 S.E.2d 262, 2018 Va. LEXIS 5 (2018).
Agent's entry onto licensee's property. - Circuit properly denied an employee's appeal of an order upholding his termination from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) because a special agent's entry into a licensee's property did not fall under the highly regulated industry exception to the Fourth Amendment; the case was dependent upon whether the employee's actions violated ABC policy, which incorporated guidelines about unlawful searches and seizures that were more restrictive than constitutional jurisprudence. Taylor v. Va. Alcoholic Bev. Control Auth., 70 Va. App. 237, 827 S.E.2d 15, 2019 Va. App. LEXIS 106 (2019).
§ 4.1-204. (Effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022) Records of licensees; inspection of records and places of business.
- Manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers. - Every licensed manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler shall keep complete, accurate and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all alcoholic beverages purchased, manufactured, bottled, sold or shipped by him, and the applicable tax required by § 4.1-234 or 4.1-236 , if any.
-
Retailers. - Every retail licensee shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records, in accordance with Board regulations, of all purchases of alcoholic beverages, the prices charged such licensee therefor, and the names and addresses of the persons from whom purchased. Every retail licensee shall also preserve all invoices showing his purchases for a period as specified by Board regulations. He shall also keep an accurate account of daily sales, showing quantities of alcoholic beverages sold and the total price charged by him therefor. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, such account need not give the names or addresses of the purchasers thereof, except as may be required by Board regulation for the sale of alcoholic beverages in kegs. In the case of persons holding retail licenses that require sales of food to determine their qualifications for such licenses, the records shall also include purchases and sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection F, electronic records of retail licensees may be stored off site, provided that such records are readily retrievable and available for electronic inspection by the Board or its special agents at the licensed premises. However, in the case that such electronic records are not readily available for electronic inspection on the licensed premises, the retail licensee may obtain Board approval, for good cause shown, to permit the retail licensee to provide the records to a special agent of the Board within three business days or less, as determined by the Board, after a request is made to inspect the records.
- Common carriers. - Common carriers of passengers by train, boat, bus, or airplane shall keep records of purchases and sales of alcoholic beverages and food as required by Board regulation.
- Wine and beer shippers. - Every wine and beer shipper licensee shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all shipments of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such licensees shall also remit on a monthly basis an accurate account stating whether any wine, farm wine, or beer products were sold and shipped and, if so, stating the total quantities of wine and beer sold and the total price charged for such wine and beer. Such records shall include the names and addresses of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is shipped.
- Deliveries. - Every licensee or permittee that is authorized to make deliveries pursuant to § 4.1-212.1 shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records for a period of at least two years in accordance with Board regulations of all deliveries of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such records shall include (i) the brands of wine and beer sold, (ii) the total quantities of wine and beer sold, (iii) the total price charged for such wine and beer, and (iv) the names, addresses, and signatures of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is delivered. Such purchaser signatures may be in an electronic format. Licensees and permittees shall remit such records on a monthly basis for any month during which the licensee or permittee makes a delivery for which the licensee or permittee is required to collect and remit excise taxes due to the Authority pursuant to subsection H of § 4.1-212.1 .
-
Inspection. - The Board and its special agents shall be allowed free access during reasonable hours to every place in the Commonwealth and to the premises of both (i) every wine and beer shipper licensee and (ii) every licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries wherever located where alcoholic beverages are manufactured, bottled, stored, offered for sale or sold, for the purpose of examining and inspecting such place and all records, invoices and accounts therein. The Board may engage the services of alcoholic beverage control authorities in any state to assist with the inspection of the premises of a wine and beer shipper licensee, licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries, or any applicant for such license or permit.
For purposes of a Board inspection of the records of any retail licensees, "reasonable hours" means the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; however, if the licensee generally is not open to the public substantially during the same hours, "reasonable hours" shall mean the business hours when the licensee is open to the public. At any other time of day, if the retail licensee's records are not available for inspection, the retailer shall provide the records to a special agent of the Board within 24 hours after a request is made to inspect the records.
(Code 1950, § 4-44; 1958, c. 192; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.6; 1970, c. 784; 1988, c. 261, §§ 4-134, 4-135, 4-137; 1992, cc. 161, 220; 1993, c. 866; 2003, cc. 1029, 1030; 2007, cc. 99, 799; 2008, c. 513; 2018, c. 729; 2019, c. 706; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section set out three times. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-204 . For the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-204 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subsection C, inserted "bus"; in subsection D, substituted "Wine and beer shippers. - Every wine and" for "Wine shippers and beer shippers. - Every wine shipper licensee and every"; in subsection E, substituted "Deliveries. - Every licensee or permittee that is authorized to make deliveries" for "Delivery permittees. - Every holder of a delivery permit issued", and in the last sentence, substituted "Licensees and permittees" for "Permittees" and "subsection E" for "subsection D" and inserted "licensee or" twice; and in subsection F in the first sentence, substituted "wine" for "wine shipper licensee" in clause (i) and "every licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries" for "every delivery permittee" in clause (ii), and in the second sentence, substituted "a wine and beer shipper licensee, licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries" for "a wine shipper licensee, a beer shipper licensee, or delivery permittee" and made stylistic changes.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the version of the section effective January 1, 2022, substituted "subsection H" for "subsection E" in subsection E. For expiration date, see Editor's note.
§ 4.1-204. (Effective July 1, 2022) Records of licensees; inspection of records and places of business.
- Manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers. - Every licensed manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler shall keep complete, accurate and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all alcoholic beverages purchased, manufactured, bottled, sold or shipped by him, and the applicable tax required by § 4.1-234 or 4.1-236 , if any.
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Retailers. - Every retail licensee shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records, in accordance with Board regulations, of all purchases of alcoholic beverages, the prices charged such licensee therefor, and the names and addresses of the persons from whom purchased. Every retail licensee shall also preserve all invoices showing his purchases for a period as specified by Board regulations. He shall also keep an accurate account of daily sales, showing quantities of alcoholic beverages sold and the total price charged by him therefor. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, such account need not give the names or addresses of the purchasers thereof, except as may be required by Board regulation for the sale of alcoholic beverages in kegs. In the case of persons holding retail licenses that require sales of food to determine their qualifications for such licenses, the records shall also include purchases and sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection F, electronic records of retail licensees may be stored off site, provided that such records are readily retrievable and available for electronic inspection by the Board or its special agents at the licensed premises. However, in the case that such electronic records are not readily available for electronic inspection on the licensed premises, the retail licensee may obtain Board approval, for good cause shown, to permit the retail licensee to provide the records to a special agent of the Board within three business days or less, as determined by the Board, after a request is made to inspect the records.
- Common carriers. - Common carriers of passengers by train, boat, bus, or airplane shall keep records of purchases and sales of alcoholic beverages and food as required by Board regulation.
- Wine and beer shippers. - Every wine and beer shipper licensee shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all shipments of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such licensees shall also remit on a monthly basis an accurate account stating whether any wine, farm wine, or beer products were sold and shipped and, if so, stating the total quantities of wine and beer sold and the total price charged for such wine and beer. Such records shall include the names and addresses of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is shipped.
- Deliveries. - Every licensee or permittee that is authorized to make deliveries pursuant to § 4.1-212.1 shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records for a period of at least two years in accordance with Board regulations of all deliveries of wine or beer to persons in the Commonwealth. Such records shall include (i) the brands of wine and beer sold, (ii) the total quantities of wine and beer sold, (iii) the total price charged for such wine and beer, and (iv) the names, addresses, and signatures of the purchasers to whom the wine and beer is delivered. Such purchaser signatures may be in an electronic format. Licensees and permittees shall remit such records on a monthly basis for any month during which the licensee or permittee makes a delivery for which the licensee or permittee is required to collect and remit excise taxes due to the Authority pursuant to subsection E of § 4.1-212.1 .
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Inspection. - The Board and its special agents shall be allowed free access during reasonable hours to every place in the Commonwealth and to the premises of both (i) every wine and beer shipper licensee and (ii) every licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries wherever located where alcoholic beverages are manufactured, bottled, stored, offered for sale or sold, for the purpose of examining and inspecting such place and all records, invoices and accounts therein. The Board may engage the services of alcoholic beverage control authorities in any state to assist with the inspection of the premises of a wine and beer shipper licensee, licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries, or any applicant for such license or permit.
For purposes of a Board inspection of the records of any retail licensees, "reasonable hours" means the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; however, if the licensee generally is not open to the public substantially during the same hours, "reasonable hours" shall mean the business hours when the licensee is open to the public. At any other time of day, if the retail licensee's records are not available for inspection, the retailer shall provide the records to a special agent of the Board within 24 hours after a request is made to inspect the records.
(Code 1950, § 4-44; 1958, c. 192; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.6; 1970, c. 784; 1988, c. 261, §§ 4-134, 4-135, 4-137; 1992, cc. 161, 220; 1993, c. 866; 2003, cc. 1029, 1030; 2007, cc. 99, 799; 2008, c. 513; 2018, c. 729; 2019, c. 706; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out three times. - The section above is effective July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-204 . For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the first version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-204 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subsection C, inserted "bus"; in subsection D, substituted "Wine and beer shippers. - Every wine and" for "Wine shippers and beer shippers. - Every wine shipper licensee and every"; in subsection E, substituted "Deliveries. - Every licensee or permittee that is authorized to make deliveries" for "Delivery permittees. - Every holder of a delivery permit issued", and in the last sentence, substituted "Licensees and permittees" for "Permittees" and "subsection E" for "subsection D" and inserted "licensee or" twice; and in subsection F in the first sentence, substituted "wine" for "wine shipper licensee" in clause (i) and "every licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries" for "every delivery permittee" in clause (ii), and in the second sentence, substituted "a wine and beer shipper licensee, licensee or permittee authorized to make deliveries" for "a wine shipper licensee, a beer shipper licensee, or delivery permittee" and made stylistic changes.
§ 4.1-205. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Local licenses.
- In addition to the state licenses provided for in this chapter, the governing body of each county, city or town in the Commonwealth may provide by ordinance for the issuance of county, city or town licenses and to charge and collect license taxes therefor, to persons licensed by the Board to manufacture, bottle or sell alcoholic beverages within such county, city or town, except for temporary licenses authorized by § 4.1-211 . Subject to § 4.1-233 , the governing body of a county, city or town may classify licenses and graduate the license taxes therefor in the manner it deems proper.
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No county, city or town shall issue a local license to any person who does not hold or secure simultaneously the proper state license. If any person holds any local license without at the same time holding the proper state license, the local license, during the period when such person does not hold the proper state license, shall confer no privileges under the provisions of this title.
(Code 1950, § 4-38; 1952, c. 535; 1970, cc. 627, 734; 1976, c. 496; 1978, c. 190; 1982, cc. 66, 527; 1984, c. 180; 1990, c. 707; 1992, c. 350; 1993, c. 866.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-205 .
§ 4.1-205. (Effective January 1, 2022) Local licenses.
- In addition to the state licenses provided for in this chapter, the governing body of each county, city or town in the Commonwealth may provide by ordinance for the issuance of county, city or town licenses and to charge and collect license taxes therefor, to persons licensed by the Board to manufacture, bottle or sell alcoholic beverages within such county, city or town, except for temporary licenses authorized by § 4.1-211 . Subject to § 4.1-233.1 , the governing body of a county, city or town may classify licenses and graduate the license taxes therefor in the manner it deems proper.
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No county, city, or town shall issue a local license to any person who does not hold or secure simultaneously the proper state license. If any person holds any local license without at the same time holding the proper state license, the local license, during the period when such person does not hold the proper state license, shall confer no privileges under the provisions of this title.
(Code 1950, § 4-38; 1952, c. 535; 1970, cc. 627, 734; 1976, c. 496; 1978, c. 190; 1982, cc. 66, 527; 1984, c. 180; 1990, c. 707; 1992, c. 350; 1993, c. 866; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-205 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and substituted " § 4.1-233 .1" for " § 4.1-233 " in subsection A in the second sentence.
Article 2. Licenses Granted by Board; Limitations; Revocation and Suspension.
§ 4.1-206. (Repealed effective January 1, 2022) Alcoholic beverage licenses.
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The Board may grant the following licenses relating to alcoholic beverages generally:
- Distillers' licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer, and to sell and deliver or ship the same, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to the Board and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. When the Board has established a government store on the distiller's licensed premises pursuant to subsection D of § 4.1-119 , such license shall also authorize the licensee to make a charge to consumers to participate in an organized tasting event conducted in accordance with subsection G of § 4.1-119 and Board regulations.
- Limited distiller's licenses, to distilleries that (i) are located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural and owned or leased by such distillery or its owner and (ii) use agricultural products that are grown on the farm in the manufacture of their alcoholic beverages. Limited distiller's licensees shall be treated as distillers for all purposes of this title except as otherwise provided in this subdivision. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" means (a) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (b) land otherwise permitted by a locality for limited distillery use. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in this definition shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
- Fruit distillers' licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture any alcoholic beverages made from fruit or fruit juices, and to sell and deliver or ship the same, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to the Board and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- Banquet facility licenses to volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical services agencies, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any person, and bona fide members and guests thereof, otherwise eligible for a banquet license. However, lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages shall not be purchased or sold by the licensee or sold or charged for in any way by the person permitted to use the premises. Such premises shall be a volunteer fire or volunteer emergency medical services agency station or both, regularly occupied as such and recognized by the governing body of the county, city, or town in which it is located. Under conditions as specified by Board regulation, such premises may be other than a volunteer fire or volunteer emergency medical services agency station, provided such other premises are occupied and under the control of the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency while the privileges of its license are being exercised.
- Bed and breakfast licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) serve alcoholic beverages in dining areas, private guest rooms and other designated areas to persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided, with or without meals, for on-premises consumption only in such rooms and areas, and without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises and (ii) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages by persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided in (a) bedrooms or private guest rooms or (b) other designated areas of the bed and breakfast establishment. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 .
- Tasting licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell or give samples of alcoholic beverages of the type specified in the license in designated areas at events held by the licensee. A tasting license shall be issued for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. A separate license shall be required for each day of each tasting event. No tasting license shall be required for conduct authorized by § 4.1-201.1 .
- Museum licenses, which may be issued to nonprofit museums exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any bona fide member and guests thereof and (ii) serve alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee to any bona fide member and guests thereof. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the museum, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Equine sporting event licenses, which may be issued to organizations holding equestrian, hunt and steeplechase events, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by patrons thereof during such event. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be (i) limited to the premises of the licensee, regularly occupied and utilized for equestrian, hunt and steeplechase events and (ii) exercised on no more than four calendar days per year.
- Day spa licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired wine or beer on the premises of the licensee by any bona fide customer of the day spa and (ii) serve wine or beer on the premises of the licensee to any such bona fide customer; however, the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or one 12-ounce glass of beer to any such customer, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the wine or beer served or consumed. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the day spa regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Motor car sporting event facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by patrons thereof during such events. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, directly or indirectly, by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be limited to those areas of the licensee's premises designated by the Board that are regularly occupied and utilized for motor car sporting events.
- Meal-assembly kitchen license, which shall authorize the licensee to serve wine or beer on the premises of the licensee to any such bona fide customer attending either a private gathering or a special event; however, the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any such customer, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the wine or beer served or consumed. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the meal-assembly kitchen regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Canal boat operator license, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any bona fide customer attending either a private gathering or a special event; however, the licensee shall not sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the alcoholic beverages so consumed. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the licensee, including the canal, the canal boats while in operation, and any pathways adjacent thereto. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license.
- Annual arts venue event licenses, to persons operating an arts venue, which shall authorize the licensee participating in a community art walk that is open to the public to serve lawfully acquired wine or beer on the premises of the licensee to adult patrons thereof during such events. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, directly or indirectly, by the licensee, and the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or one 12-ounce glass of beer to any one adult patron. The privileges of this license shall be (i) limited to the premises of the arts venue regularly occupied and used as such and (ii) exercised on no more than 12 calendar days per year.
- Art instruction studio licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to serve wine or beer on the premises of the licensee to any such bona fide customer; however, the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or one 12-ounce glass of beer to any such customer, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the wine or beer served or consumed. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the art instruction studio regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Commercial lifestyle center license, which may be issued only to a commercial owners' association governing a commercial lifestyle center, which shall authorize any retail on-premises restaurant licensee that is a tenant of the commercial lifestyle center to sell alcoholic beverages to any bona fide customer to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for consumption on that portion of the licensed premises of the commercial lifestyle center designated by the Board, including (i) plazas, seating areas, concourses, walkways, or such other similar areas and (ii) the premises of any tenant location of the commercial lifestyle center that is not a retail licensee of the Board, upon approval of such tenant, but excluding any parking areas. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from such retail on-premises restaurant licensees may be consumed on the licensed premises of the commercial lifestyle center, and such alcoholic beverages shall be contained in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers with the name or logo of the restaurant licensee that sold the alcoholic beverage clearly displayed. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the commercial lifestyle center licensee. The licensee shall post appropriate signage clearly demarcating for the public the boundaries of the licensed premises; however, no physical barriers shall be required for this purpose. The licensee shall provide adequate security for the licensed premises to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations.
- Confectionery license, which shall authorize the licensee to prepare and sell on the licensed premises for off-premises consumption confectionery that contains five percent or less alcohol by volume. Any alcohol contained in such confectionery shall not be in liquid form at the time such confectionery is sold.
- Designated outdoor refreshment area license, which may be issued only to a locality, business improvement district, or nonprofit organization and which shall authorize (i) the licensee to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the area designated by the Board for the designated outdoor refreshment area and (ii) any permanent retail on-premises licensee that is located within the area designated by the Board for the designated outdoor refreshment area to sell alcoholic beverages within the permanent retail location for consumption in the area designated for the designated outdoor refreshment area, including sidewalks and the premises of businesses not licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail, upon approval of such businesses. In determining the designated area for the designated outdoor refreshment area, the Board shall consult with the locality. Designated outdoor refreshment area licensees shall be limited to 16 events per year, and the duration of any event shall not exceed three consecutive days. However, the Board may increase the frequency and duration of events after adoption of an ordinance by a locality requesting such increase in frequency and duration. Such ordinance shall include the size and scope of the area within which such events will be held, a public safety plan, and any other considerations deemed necessary by the Board. Such limitations on the number of events that may be held shall not apply during the effective dates of any rule, regulation, or order that is issued by the Governor or State Health Commissioner to meet a public health emergency and that effectively reduces allowable restaurant seating capacity; however, designated outdoor refreshment area licensees shall be subject to all other applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations and shall provide notice to the Board regarding the days and times during which the privileges of the license will be exercised. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from permanent retail on-premises licensees located within the designated area may be consumed at the event, and such alcoholic beverages shall be contained in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers that clearly display the name or logo of the retail on-premises licensee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the designated outdoor refreshment area licensee. The designated outdoor refreshment area licensee shall post appropriate signage clearly demarcating for the public the boundaries of the event; however, no physical barriers shall be required for this purpose. The designated outdoor refreshment area licensee shall provide adequate security for the event to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations.
- Coworking establishment license, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired wine or beer between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the premises of the licensee by any member and up to two guests of each member, provided that such member and guests are persons who may lawfully consume alcohol and an employee of the coworking establishment is present, and (ii) serve wine and beer on the premises of the licensee between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to any member and up to two guests of each member, provided that such member and guests are persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully served. However, the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any person, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee for the wine or beer served or consumed. For purposes of this subdivision, the payment of membership dues by a member to the coworking establishment shall not constitute a sale or charge for alcohol, provided that the availability of alcohol is not a privilege for which the amount of membership dues increases. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the coworking establishment, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Bespoke clothier establishment license, which shall authorize the licensee to serve wine or beer for on-premises consumption upon the licensed premises approved by the Board to any member; however, the licensee shall not give more than (i) two five-ounce glasses of wine or (ii) two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any such customer, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the wine or beer served or consumed. For purposes of this subdivision, the payment of membership dues by a member to the bespoke clothier establishment shall not constitute a sale or charge for alcohol, provided that the availability of alcohol is not a privilege for which the amount of membership dues increases. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the bespoke clothier establishment, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Any limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board in accordance with this title and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 , notwithstanding (a) the provisions of this section or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of this title and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016. (Code 1950, § 4-25; 1952, c. 535; 1956, c. 520; 1962, c. 532; 1964, c. 210; 1970, cc. 627, 723; 1972, c. 679; 1973, c. 343; 1974, c. 267; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 134, 447, 496, 703; 1977, c. 439; 1978, c. 190; 1979, c. 258; 1980, cc. 526, 528; 1981, cc. 410, 412; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 200; 1987, c. 365; 1988, c. 893; 1989, c. 42; 1990, c. 707; 1991, c. 628; 1992, cc. 215, 350; 1993, c. 866; 1996, cc. 584, 596; 1998, c. 489; 1999, c. 325; 2005, c. 911; 2006, cc. 737, 826; 2007, c. 101; 2008, c. 198; 2013, c. 476; 2014, c. 510; 2015, cc. 348, 393, 412, 502, 503, 695; 2016, c. 644; 2017, cc. 157, 492; 2018, cc. 173, 334; 2019, cc. 622, 628; 2020, cc. 16, 34, 756; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 34; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 390, 391.)
Section repealed effective January 1, 2022. - This section is repealed effective January 1, 2022, by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 2.
Cross references. - For current provisions as to distillers' licenses, limited distillers' licenses, and other manufacturer licenses, see § 4.1-206.1 ; and for banquet, bed and breakfast, museum, tastings, and other retail licenses, see § 4.1-206.3 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2016, c. 644, cl. 2 was codified as subsection B of this section at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission.
Acts 2016, c. 644, which added the last three sentences in subdivision A 2 and added subsection B, provides in cl. 3: "That any person who, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) has a pending application with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (the Board) for a license as a limited distillery in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia, (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for limited distillery use, and (iii) subsequently is issued a license as a limited distillery shall be allowed to engage in such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of this act or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2018, cc. 173 and 334, cl. 2 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act. Such regulations shall include a definition of the term 'confectionery' and labeling requirements for such confectionery."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, repealed various sections in this chapter and recodified them. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendments by Acts 2020, cc. 16 and 34 have also been given effect in § 4.1-206.3 , and the amendment by Acts 2020, c. 756 has also been given effect in § 4.1-206.1 , effective July 1, 2021.
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 5, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That any person who (i) is licensed pursuant to subdivision A 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, or 19 of § 4.1-206 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to July 1, 2020, and (ii) wishes to maintain licensure after December 31, 2021, shall apply for a marketplace license on or before July 1, 2021."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 1998 amendment added subdivision 6.
The 1999 amendment added subdivision 7.
The 2005 amendments. - The 2005 amendment by c. 911 added subdivision 8.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 737 added subdivision 9.
The 2006 amendment by c. 826 added the last sentence in subdivision 5.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 101 added subdivision 10.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 198 added subdivision 11.
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendment by c. 476 added the last sentence in subdivision 1.
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendment by c. 510 added subdivision 12.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 348 added subdivision 14.
The 2015 amendment by c. 393 in subdivision 5, inserted the clause (i) designator, added clause (ii) and the last two sentences.
The 2015 amendment by c. 412 added the last two sentences in subdivision 5.
The 2015 amendments by cc. 502 and 503 are identical and substituted "volunteer emergency medical services agency" for "rescue squad" throughout the section; in subdivision 4, substituted "emergency medical services agencies" for "rescue squads" in the first sentence and inserted "volunteer" preceding "fire" in the third sentence and two instances in the fourth sentence.
The 2015 amendment by c. 695 added subdivision 2, and redesignated former subdivisions 2 through 12 as 3 through 13.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 644 added the last three sentences in subdivision A 2 and added subsection B. For applicability clause, see Editor's note.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 157 and 492 are identical, and added subdivision A 15.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendments by cc. 173 and 334 are identical, and added subdivision A 16.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendment by c. 622 added subdivision A 17.
The 2019 amendment by c. 628 added subdivisions A 18 and 19.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 16 and 34 are identical, and in subdivision A 17, substituted "16 special events" for "12 special events" and added "and the duration of any special event shall not exceed three consecutive days" in the third sentence.
The 2020 amendment by c. 756, in subdivision A 2 in the first sentence, substituted "that (i) are located" for "that manufacture not more than 36,000 gallons of alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer per calendar year, provided (i) the distillery is located" and substituted "(ii) use agricultural products that are grown on the farm in the manufacture of their alcoholic beverages" for "(ii) agricultural products used by such distillery in the manufacture of its alcoholic beverages are grown on the farm."
The 2020 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2020 amendment by Sp. Sess. I, c. 34, effective October 28, 2020, added the fourth sentence in subdivision A 17.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 390 and 391, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in subdivision A 17, substituted "designated outdoor refreshment area licensee" for "local special events" and "special events" throughout, deleted "special" preceding "events" and "event" in the third sentence and added the fourth and fifth sentences, and deleted "special" preceding "event" in the last two sentences.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, § 29.
§ 4.1-206.1. (Effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022) Manufacturer licenses.
The Board may grant the following manufacturer licenses:
- Distiller's licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer, and to sell and deliver or ship the same, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to the Board and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. When the Board has established a government store on the distiller's licensed premises pursuant to subsection D of § 4.1-119 , such license shall also authorize the licensee to make a charge to consumers to participate in an organized tasting event conducted in accordance with subsection G of § 4.1-119 and Board regulations.
- Limited distiller's licenses, to distilleries that (i) are located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural and owned or leased by such distillery or its owner and (ii) use agricultural products that are grown on the farm in the manufacture of their alcoholic beverages. Limited distiller's licensees shall be treated as distillers for all purposes of this title except as otherwise provided in this subdivision. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" means (a) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (b) land otherwise permitted by a locality for limited distillery use. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in this definition shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
- Brewery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture beer and to sell and deliver or ship the beer so manufactured, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to (i) persons licensed to sell the beer at wholesale and (ii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. Such license shall also authorize the licensee to sell at retail at premises described in the brewery license (a) the brands of beer that the brewery owns for on-premises consumption, provided that not less than 20 percent of the volume of beer sold for on-premises consumption in any calendar year is manufactured on the licensed premises, and (b) beer in closed containers, which shall include growlers and other reusable containers, for off-premises consumption.
- Limited brewery licenses, to breweries that manufacture no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per calendar year, provided that (i) the brewery is located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural and owned or leased by such brewery or its owner and (ii) agricultural products, including barley, other grains, hops, or fruit, used by such brewery in the manufacture of its beer are grown on the farm. The licensed premises shall be limited to the portion of the farm on which agricultural products, including barley, other grains, hops, or fruit, used by such brewery in the manufacture of its beer are grown and that is contiguous to the premises of such brewery where the beer is manufactured, exclusive of any residence and the curtilage thereof. However, the Board may, with notice to the local governing body in accordance with the provisions of § 4.1-230 , also approve other portions of the farm to be included as part of the licensed premises. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" means (a) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (b) land otherwise permitted by a locality for limited brewery use. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in this definition shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority. Limited brewery licensees shall be treated as breweries for all purposes of this title except as otherwise provided in this subdivision.
- Winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture wine and to sell and deliver or ship the wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons licensed to sell the wine so manufactured at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. In addition, such license shall authorize the licensee to (i) operate distilling equipment on the premises of the licensee in the manufacture of spirits from fruit or fruit juices only, which shall be used only for the fortification of wine produced by the licensee; (ii) operate a contract winemaking facility on the premises of the licensee in accordance with Board regulations; (iii) store wine in bonded warehouses on or off the licensed premises upon permit issued by the Board; and (iv) sell wine at retail at the place of business designated in the winery license for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption, provided that any brand of wine not owned by the winery licensee is purchased from a wholesale wine licensee and any wine sold for on-premises consumption is manufactured on the licensed premises.
- Farm winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture wine containing 21 percent or less of alcohol by volume and to sell, deliver, or ship the wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to (i) the Board, (ii) persons licensed to sell the wine so manufactured at wholesale for the purpose of resale, or (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth. In addition, the licensee may (a) acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of wine and sell and deliver or ship this wine, in accordance with Board regulations, to the Board, persons licensed to sell wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, or persons outside the Commonwealth; (b) operate a contract winemaking facility on the premises of the licensee in accordance with Board regulations; and (c) store wine in bonded warehouses located on or off the licensed premises upon permits issued by the Board. For the purposes of this title, a farm winery license shall be designated either as a Class A or Class B farm winery license in accordance with the limitations set forth in § 4.1-219 . A farm winery may enter into an agreement in accordance with Board regulations with a winery or farm winery licensee operating a contract winemaking facility. Such licenses shall also authorize the licensee to sell wine at retail at the places of business designated in the licenses, which may include no more than five additional retail establishments of the licensee. Wine may be sold at these business places for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption, provided that any brand of wine not owned by the farm winery licensee is purchased from a wholesale wine licensee. In addition, wine may be pre-mixed by the licensee to be served and sold for on-premises or off-premises consumption at these business places.
- Wine importer's licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and deliver or ship wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell such wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
-
Beer importer's licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and deliver or ship beer, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell such beer at wholesale for the purpose of resale and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
(2020, cc. 756, 1008, 1113, 1114; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section set out twice. - The section set out above is effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-206.1 .
Editor's note. - Former § 4.1-206 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission the amendments to former § 4.1-206 by Acts 2020, c. 756 were incorporated in the first sentence of subdivision 2 of this section, by substituting "that (i) are located" for "that manufacture not more than 36,000 gallons of alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer per calendar year, provided (i) the distillery is located," and in clause (ii) substituting "use agricultural products that are grown on the farm in the manufacture of their alcoholic beverages" for "agricultural products used by such distillery in the manufacture of its alcoholic beverages are grown on the farm."
Former § 4.1-207 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission the amendments to former § 4.1-207 by Acts 2020, c. 1008 were incorporated in subdivision 5 of this section, by inserting "for on-premises consumption or" and "and any wine sold for on-premises consumption is manufactured on the licensed premises" in clause (iv).
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 5, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That any person who (i) is licensed pursuant to subdivision A 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, or 19 of § 4.1-206 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to July 1, 2020, and (ii) wishes to maintain licensure after December 31, 2021, shall apply for a marketplace license on or before July 1, 2021."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the second paragraph in subdivision 6, inserted "or off-premises" in the last sentence. For expiration date, see Editor's note.
§ 4.1-206.1. (Effective July 1, 2022) Manufacturer licenses.
The Board may grant the following manufacturer licenses:
- Distiller's licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer, and to sell and deliver or ship the same, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to the Board and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. When the Board has established a government store on the distiller's licensed premises pursuant to subsection D of § 4.1-119 , such license shall also authorize the licensee to make a charge to consumers to participate in an organized tasting event conducted in accordance with subsection G of § 4.1-119 and Board regulations.
- Limited distiller's licenses, to distilleries that (i) are located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural and owned or leased by such distillery or its owner and (ii) use agricultural products that are grown on the farm in the manufacture of their alcoholic beverages. Limited distiller's licensees shall be treated as distillers for all purposes of this title except as otherwise provided in this subdivision. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" means (a) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (b) land otherwise permitted by a locality for limited distillery use. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in this definition shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
- Brewery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture beer and to sell and deliver or ship the beer so manufactured, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to (i) persons licensed to sell the beer at wholesale and (ii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. Such license shall also authorize the licensee to sell at retail at premises described in the brewery license (a) the brands of beer that the brewery owns for on-premises consumption, provided that not less than 20 percent of the volume of beer sold for on-premises consumption in any calendar year is manufactured on the licensed premises, and (b) beer in closed containers, which shall include growlers and other reusable containers, for off-premises consumption.
- Limited brewery licenses, to breweries that manufacture no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per calendar year, provided that (i) the brewery is located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural and owned or leased by such brewery or its owner and (ii) agricultural products, including barley, other grains, hops, or fruit, used by such brewery in the manufacture of its beer are grown on the farm. The licensed premises shall be limited to the portion of the farm on which agricultural products, including barley, other grains, hops, or fruit, used by such brewery in the manufacture of its beer are grown and that is contiguous to the premises of such brewery where the beer is manufactured, exclusive of any residence and the curtilage thereof. However, the Board may, with notice to the local governing body in accordance with the provisions of § 4.1-230 , also approve other portions of the farm to be included as part of the licensed premises. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" means (a) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (b) land otherwise permitted by a locality for limited brewery use. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in this definition shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority. Limited brewery licensees shall be treated as breweries for all purposes of this title except as otherwise provided in this subdivision.
- Winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture wine and to sell and deliver or ship the wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons licensed to sell the wine so manufactured at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. In addition, such license shall authorize the licensee to (i) operate distilling equipment on the premises of the licensee in the manufacture of spirits from fruit or fruit juices only, which shall be used only for the fortification of wine produced by the licensee; (ii) operate a contract winemaking facility on the premises of the licensee in accordance with Board regulations; (iii) store wine in bonded warehouses on or off the licensed premises upon permit issued by the Board; and (iv) sell wine at retail at the place of business designated in the winery license for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption, provided that any brand of wine not owned by the winery licensee is purchased from a wholesale wine licensee and any wine sold for on-premises consumption is manufactured on the licensed premises.
- Farm winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture wine containing 21 percent or less of alcohol by volume and to sell, deliver, or ship the wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to (i) the Board, (ii) persons licensed to sell the wine so manufactured at wholesale for the purpose of resale, or (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth. In addition, the licensee may (a) acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of wine and sell and deliver or ship this wine, in accordance with Board regulations, to the Board, persons licensed to sell wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, or persons outside the Commonwealth; (b) operate a contract winemaking facility on the premises of the licensee in accordance with Board regulations; and (c) store wine in bonded warehouses located on or off the licensed premises upon permits issued by the Board. For the purposes of this title, a farm winery license shall be designated either as a Class A or Class B farm winery license in accordance with the limitations set forth in § 4.1-219 . A farm winery may enter into an agreement in accordance with Board regulations with a winery or farm winery licensee operating a contract winemaking facility. Such licenses shall also authorize the licensee to sell wine at retail at the places of business designated in the licenses, which may include no more than five additional retail establishments of the licensee. Wine may be sold at these business places for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption, provided that any brand of wine not owned by the farm winery licensee is purchased from a wholesale wine licensee. In addition, wine may be pre-mixed by the licensee to be served and sold for on-premises consumption at these business places.
- Wine importer's licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and deliver or ship wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell such wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
-
Beer importer's licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and deliver or ship beer, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell such beer at wholesale for the purpose of resale and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
(2020, cc. 756, 1008, 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section set out above is effective July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-206.1 .
Editor's note. - Former § 4.1-206 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission the amendments to former § 4.1-206 by Acts 2020, c. 756 were incorporated in the first sentence of subdivision 2 of this section, by substituting "that (i) are located" for "that manufacture not more than 36,000 gallons of alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer per calendar year, provided (i) the distillery is located," and in clause (ii) substituting "use agricultural products that are grown on the farm in the manufacture of their alcoholic beverages" for "agricultural products used by such distillery in the manufacture of its alcoholic beverages are grown on the farm."
Former § 4.1-207 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission the amendments to former § 4.1-207 by Acts 2020, c. 1008 were incorporated in subdivision 5 of this section, by inserting "for on-premises consumption or" and "and any wine sold for on-premises consumption is manufactured on the licensed premises" in clause (iv).
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 5, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That any person who (i) is licensed pursuant to subdivision A 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, or 19 of § 4.1-206 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to July 1, 2020, and (ii) wishes to maintain licensure after December 31, 2021, shall apply for a marketplace license on or before July 1, 2021."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
§ 4.1-206.2. (Effective January 1, 2022) Wholesale licenses.
The Board may grant the following wholesale licenses:
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Wholesale beer licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of beer and to sell and deliver or ship the beer from one or more premises identified in the license, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to (i) persons licensed under this chapter to sell such beer at wholesale or retail for the purpose of resale, (ii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
No wholesale beer licensee shall purchase beer for resale from a person outside the Commonwealth who does not hold a beer importer's license unless such wholesale beer licensee holds a beer importer's license and purchases beer for resale pursuant to the privileges of such beer importer's license.
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Wholesale wine licenses, including those granted pursuant to subdivision 3, which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of wine and to sell and deliver or ship the wine from one or more premises identified in the license, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to (i) persons licensed to sell such wine in the Commonwealth, (ii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth, (iii) religious congregations for use only for sacramental purposes, and (iv) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state.
No wholesale wine licensee shall purchase wine for resale from a person outside the Commonwealth who does not hold a wine importer's license unless such wholesale wine licensee holds a wine importer's license and purchases wine for resale pursuant to the privileges of such wine importer's license.
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Restricted wholesale wine licenses, which shall authorize a nonprofit, nonstock corporation created in accordance with subdivision B 2 of § 3.2-102 to provide wholesale wine distribution services to winery and farm winery licensees, provided that no more than 3,000 cases of wine produced by a winery or farm winery licensee shall be distributed by the corporation in any one year. The corporation shall provide such distribution services in accordance with the terms of a written agreement approved by the corporation between it and the winery or farm winery licensee, which shall comply with the provisions of this title and Board regulations. The corporation shall receive all of the privileges of, and be subject to, all laws and regulations governing wholesale wine licenses granted under subdivision 2.
(2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 5, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That any person who (i) is licensed pursuant to subdivision A 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, or 19 of § 4.1-206 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to July 1, 2020, and (ii) wishes to maintain licensure after December 31, 2021, shall apply for a marketplace license on or before July 1, 2021."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
§ 4.1-206.3. (Effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022) Retail licenses.
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The Board may grant the following mixed beverages licenses:
- Mixed beverage restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurant or off-premises consumption. Such license may be granted only to persons (i) who operate a restaurant and (ii) whose gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after issuance of such license, amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. For the purposes of this subdivision, other designated areas shall include outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which outdoor dining areas may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided such areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 . If the restaurant is located on the premises of a hotel or motel with no fewer than four permanent bedrooms where food and beverage service is customarily provided by the restaurant in designated areas, bedrooms, and other private rooms of such hotel or motel, such licensee may (a) sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in such designated areas, bedrooms, and other private rooms or off-premises consumption and (b) sell spirits packaged in original closed containers purchased from the Board for on-premises consumption to registered guests and at scheduled functions of such hotel or motel only in such bedrooms or private rooms. However, with regard to a hotel classified as a resort complex, the Board may authorize the sale and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages in all areas within the resort complex deemed appropriate by the Board. Nothing herein shall prohibit any person from keeping and consuming his own lawfully acquired spirits in bedrooms or private rooms. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a private, nonprofit, or profit club exclusively for its members and their guests, or members of another private, nonprofit, or profit club in another city with which it has an agreement for reciprocal dining privileges, such license shall also authorize the licensees to (1) sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises or off-premises consumption and (2) sell spirits that are packaged in original closed containers with a maximum capacity of two fluid ounces or 50 milliliters and purchased from the Board for on-premises consumption. Where such club prepares no food in its restaurant but purchases its food requirements from a restaurant licensed by the Board and located on another portion of the premises of the same hotel or motel building, this fact shall not prohibit the granting of a license by the Board to such club qualifying in all other respects. The club's gross receipts from the sale of nonalcoholic beverages consumed on the premises and food resold to its members and guests and consumed on the premises shall amount to at least 45 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. The food sales made by a restaurant to such a club shall be excluded in any consideration of the qualifications of such restaurant for a license from the Board. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a municipal golf course, the Board shall recognize the seasonal nature of the business and waive any applicable monthly food sales requirements for those months when weather conditions may reduce patronage of the golf course, provided that prepared food, including meals, is available to patrons during the same months. The gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after the issuance of such license, shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food on an annualized basis. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a culinary lodging resort, such license shall authorize the licensee to (A) sell alcoholic beverages, without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises, for off-premises consumption or for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board and other designated areas of the resort, including outdoor areas under the control of the licensee, and (B) permit the possession and consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages by persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided in bedrooms and private guest rooms. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Mixed beverage caterer's licenses, which may be granted only to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings or at special events, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service and nonalcoholic beverages served at gatherings and events referred to in this subdivision shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food.
- Mixed beverage limited caterer's licenses, which may be granted only to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings or at special events, not to exceed 12 gatherings or events per year, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service and nonalcoholic beverages served at gatherings and events referred to in this subdivision shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food.
- Mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by train, boat, bus, or airplane, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier, and in designated rooms of establishments of air carriers at airports in the Commonwealth. For purposes of supplying its airplanes, as well as any airplanes of a licensed express carrier flying under the same brand, an air carrier licensee may appoint an authorized representative to load alcoholic beverages onto the same airplanes and to transport and store alcoholic beverages at or in close proximity to the airport where the alcoholic beverages will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier. The air carrier licensee shall (i) designate for purposes of its license all locations where the inventory of alcoholic beverages may be stored and from which the alcoholic beverages will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier and (ii) maintain records of all alcoholic beverages to be transported, stored, and delivered by its authorized representative. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Annual mixed beverage motor sports facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell mixed beverages, in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, during scheduled events, as well as events or performances immediately subsequent thereto, to patrons in all dining facilities, seating areas, viewing areas, walkways, concession areas, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Such license may be granted to persons operating food concessions at an outdoor motor sports facility that (i) is located on 1,200 acres of rural property bordering the Dan River and has a track surface of 3.27 miles in length or (ii) hosts a NASCAR national touring race. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
- Limited mixed beverage restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve dessert wines as defined by Board regulation and no more than six varieties of liqueurs, which liqueurs shall be combined with coffee or other nonalcoholic beverages, for on-premises consumption in dining areas of the restaurant or off-premises consumption. Such license may be granted only to persons who operate a restaurant and in no event shall the sale of such wine or liqueur-based drinks, together with the sale of any other alcoholic beverages, exceed 10 percent of the total annual gross sales of all food and alcoholic beverages. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
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Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility licenses, which shall (i) authorize the licensee to sell, on the dates of performances or events, alcoholic beverages in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption in all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, similar facilities, and other areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board and (ii) automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1. Such licenses may be granted to the following:
- Corporations or associations operating a performing arts facility, provided the performing arts facility (i) is owned by a governmental entity; (ii) is occupied by a for-profit entity under a bona fide lease, the original term of which was for more than one year's duration; and (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards;
- Persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the City of Norfolk or the City of Richmond, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has a capacity in excess of 1,400 patrons; (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards; and (iv) has monthly gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises that meet or exceed the monthly minimum established by Board regulations for mixed beverage restaurants;
- Persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the City of Waynesboro, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 550 patrons; and (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards;
- Persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the arts and cultural district of the City of Harrisonburg, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards; (iii) has monthly gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises that meet or exceed the monthly minimum established by Board regulations for mixed beverage restaurants; and (iv) has a total capacity in excess of 900 patrons;
- Persons operating food concessions at any multipurpose theater located in the historical district of the Town of Bridgewater, provided that the theater (i) is owned and operated by a governmental entity and (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 100 patrons;
- Persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena, or similar facility that has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach;
- Persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena, or similar facility that has seating for more than 5,000 persons and is located in the City of Alexandria or the City of Portsmouth; or
- Persons operating food concessions at any corporate and performing arts facility located in Fairfax County, provided that the corporate and performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease, management, or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than one year and (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 1,400 patrons. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Combined mixed beverage restaurant and caterer's licenses, which may be granted to any restaurant or hotel that meets the qualifications for both a mixed beverage restaurant pursuant to subdivision 1 and mixed beverage caterer pursuant to subdivision 2 for the same business location, and which license shall authorize the licensee to operate as both a mixed beverage restaurant and mixed beverage caterer at the same business premises designated in the license, with a common alcoholic beverage inventory for purposes of the restaurant and catering operations. Such licensee shall meet the separate food qualifications established for the mixed beverage restaurant license pursuant to subdivision 1 and mixed beverage caterer's license pursuant to subdivision 2. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
- Bed and breakfast licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) serve alcoholic beverages in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas to persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided, with or without meals, for on-premises consumption only in such rooms and areas, and without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises and (ii) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages by persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided in (a) bedrooms or private guest rooms or (b) other designated areas of the bed and breakfast establishment. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 .
- Museum licenses, which may be issued to nonprofit museums exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any bona fide member and guests thereof and (ii) serve alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee to any bona fide member and guests thereof. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the museum, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Motor car sporting event facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by patrons thereof during such events. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, directly or indirectly, by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be limited to those areas of the licensee's premises designated by the Board that are regularly occupied and utilized for motor car sporting events.
- Commercial lifestyle center licenses, which may be issued only to a commercial owners' association governing a commercial lifestyle center, which shall authorize any retail on-premises restaurant licensee that is a tenant of the commercial lifestyle center to sell alcoholic beverages to any bona fide customer to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for consumption on that portion of the licensed premises of the commercial lifestyle center designated by the Board, including (i) plazas, seating areas, concourses, walkways, or such other similar areas and (ii) the premises of any tenant location of the commercial lifestyle center that is not a retail licensee of the Board, upon approval of such tenant, but excluding any parking areas. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from such retail on-premises restaurant licensees may be consumed on the licensed premises of the commercial lifestyle center, and such alcoholic beverages shall be contained in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers with the name or logo of the restaurant licensee that sold the alcoholic beverage clearly displayed. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the commercial lifestyle center licensee. The licensee shall post appropriate signage clearly demarcating for the public the boundaries of the licensed premises; however, no physical barriers shall be required for this purpose. The licensee shall provide adequate security for the licensed premises to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations.
- Mixed beverage port restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for consumption in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurant. Such license may be granted only to persons operating a business (i) that is primarily engaged in the sale of meals; (ii) that is located on property owned by the United States government or an agency thereof and used as a port of entry to or egress from the United States; and (iii) whose gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after issuance of such license, amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. For the purposes of this subdivision, other designated areas shall include outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which outdoor dining areas may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided such areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
- Annual mixed beverage special events licenses to (i) a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association operating either a performing arts facility or an art education and exhibition facility; (ii) a nonprofit corporation or association chartered by Congress for the preservation of sites, buildings, and objects significant in American history and culture; (iii) persons operating an agricultural event and entertainment park or similar facility that has a minimum of 50,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and equine and other livestock show areas, which includes barns, pavilions, or other structures equipped with roofs, exterior walls, and open-door or closed-door access; or (iv) a locality for special events conducted on the premises of a museum for historic interpretation that is owned and operated by the locality. The operation in all cases shall be upon premises owned by such licensee or occupied under a bona fide lease, the original term of which was for more than one year's duration. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages during scheduled events and performances for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
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The Board may grant an on-and-off-premises wine and beer license to the following:
- Hotels, restaurants, and clubs, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) for on-premises consumption, either with or without meals, in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurants, or in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas of such hotels or clubs, for consumption only in such rooms and areas. However, with regard to a hotel classified by the Board as (a) a resort complex, the Board may authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in all areas within the resort complex deemed appropriate by the Board or (b) a limited service hotel, the Board may authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas to persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided, for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas, and without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises, provided that at least one meal is provided each day by the hotel to such guests. With regard to facilities registered in accordance with Chapter 49 (§ 38.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 38.2 as continuing care communities that are also licensed by the Board under this subdivision, any resident may, upon authorization of the licensee, keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas covered by the license. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 .
- Hospitals, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer (i) in the rooms of patients for their on-premises consumption only in such rooms, provided the consent of the patient's attending physician is first obtained or (ii) in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Rural grocery stores, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption. No license shall be granted unless (i) the grocery store is located in any town or in a rural area outside the corporate limits of any city or town and (ii) it appears affirmatively that a substantial public demand for such licensed establishment exists and that public convenience and the purposes of this title will be promoted by granting the license.
- Coliseums, stadiums, and racetracks, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during any event and immediately subsequent thereto to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and additional locations designated by the Board (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating food concessions at coliseums, stadiums, racetracks, or similar facilities.
- Performing arts food concessionaires, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during the performance of any event to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, or concession areas, or other areas approved by the Board (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena, or similar facility that (a) has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach; (b) has seating or capacity for more than 3,500 persons and is located in the County of Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Nelson, Pittsylvania, or Rockingham or the City of Charlottesville, Danville, or Roanoke; or (c) has capacity for more than 9,500 persons and is located in Henrico County.
- Exhibition halls, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during the event to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating food concessions at exhibition or exposition halls, convention centers, or similar facilities located in any county operating under the urban county executive form of government or any city that is completely surrounded by such county. For purposes of this subdivision, "exhibition or exposition hall" and "convention centers" mean facilities conducting private or public trade shows or exhibitions in an indoor facility having in excess of 100,000 square feet of floor space.
- Concert and dinner-theaters, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during events to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, dining areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities, for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption. Persons licensed pursuant to this subdivision shall serve food, prepared on or off premises, whenever wine or beer is served. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating concert or dinner-theater venues on property fronting Natural Bridge School Road in Natural Bridge Station and formerly operated as Natural Bridge High School.
- Historic cinema houses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer, either with or without meals, during any showing of a motion picture to patrons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold, for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the historic cinema house regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Nonprofit museums, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating a nonprofit museum exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, located in the Town of Front Royal, and dedicated to educating the consuming public about historic beer products. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the museum, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
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The Board may grant the following off-premises wine and beer licenses:
- Retail off-premises wine and beer licenses, which may be granted to a convenience grocery store, delicatessen, drugstore, gift shop, gourmet oyster house, gourmet shop, grocery store, or marina store as defined in § 4.1-100 and Board regulations. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption and, notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-308 , to give to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold a sample of wine or beer for on-premises consumption; however, no single sample shall exceed four ounces of beer or two ounces of wine and no more than 12 ounces of beer or five ounces of wine shall be served to any person per day. The licensee may also give samples of wine and beer in designated areas at events held by the licensee for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. With the consent of the licensee, farm wineries, wineries, breweries, distillers, and wholesale licensees or authorized representatives of such licensees may participate in such tastings, including the pouring of samples. The licensee shall comply with any food inventory and sales volume requirements established by Board regulation.
- Gourmet brewing shop licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and to rent to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting, and bottling such wine or beer, for off-premises consumption in accordance with subdivision 6 of § 4.1-200 .
- Confectionery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to prepare and sell on the licensed premises for off-premises consumption confectionery that contains five percent or less alcohol by volume. Any alcohol contained in such confectionery shall not be in liquid form at the time such confectionery is sold.
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The Board may grant the following banquet, special event, and tasting licenses:
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Per-day event licenses.
- Banquet licenses to persons in charge of banquets, and to duly organized nonprofit corporations or associations in charge of special events, which shall authorize the licensee to sell or give wine and beer in rooms or areas approved by the Board for the occasion for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas. Licensees who are nonprofit corporations or associations conducting fundraisers (i) shall also be authorized to sell wine, as part of any fundraising activity, in closed containers for off-premises consumption to persons to whom wine may be lawfully sold; (ii) shall be limited to no more than one such fundraiser per year; and (iii) if conducting such fundraiser through an online meeting platform, may ship such wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to persons located within the Commonwealth. Except as provided in § 4.1-215 , a separate license shall be required for each day of each banquet or special event. For the purposes of this subdivision, when the location named in the original application for a license is outdoors, the application may also name an alternative location in the event of inclement weather. However, no such license shall be required of any hotel, restaurant, or club holding a retail wine and beer license.
- Mixed beverage special events licenses to a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association in charge of a special event, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board on the premises of the place designated in the license. A separate license shall be required for each day of each special event.
- Mixed beverage club events licenses to a club holding a wine and beer club license, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption by club members and their guests in areas approved by the Board on the club premises. A separate license shall be required for each day of each club event. No more than 12 such licenses shall be granted to a club in any calendar year. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Tasting licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell or give samples of alcoholic beverages of the type specified in the license in designated areas at events held by the licensee. A tasting license shall be issued for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. A separate license shall be required for each day of each tasting event. No tasting license shall be required for conduct authorized by § 4.1-201.1 .
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Annual licenses.
- Annual banquet licenses to duly organized private nonprofit fraternal, patriotic, or charitable membership organizations that are exempt from state and federal taxation and in charge of banquets conducted exclusively for members and their guests, which shall authorize the licensee to serve wine and beer in rooms or areas approved by the Board for the occasion for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas. Such license shall authorize the licensee to conduct no more than 12 banquets per calendar year. For the purposes of this subdivision, when the location named in the original application for a license is outdoors, the application may also name an alternative location in the event of inclement weather. However, no such license shall be required of any hotel, restaurant, or club holding a retail wine and beer license.
- Banquet facility licenses to volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical services agencies, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any person, and bona fide members and guests thereof, otherwise eligible for a banquet license. However, lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages shall not be purchased or sold by the licensee or sold or charged for in any way by the person permitted to use the premises. Such premises shall be a volunteer fire or volunteer emergency medical services agency station or both, regularly occupied as such and recognized by the governing body of the county, city, or town in which it is located. Under conditions as specified by Board regulation, such premises may be other than a volunteer fire or volunteer emergency medical services agency station, provided such other premises are occupied and under the control of the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency while the privileges of its license are being exercised.
- Designated outdoor refreshment area licenses to a locality, business improvement district, or nonprofit organization, which shall authorize (i) the licensee to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the area designated by the Board for the designated outdoor refreshment area and (ii) any permanent retail on-premises licensee that is located within the area designated by the Board for the designated outdoor refreshment area to sell alcoholic beverages within the permanent retail location for consumption in the area designated for the designated outdoor refreshment area, including sidewalks and the premises of businesses not licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail, upon approval of such businesses. In determining the designated area for the designated outdoor refreshment area, the Board shall consult with the locality. Designated outdoor refreshment area licensees shall be limited to 16 events per year, and the duration of any event shall not exceed three consecutive days. However, the Board may increase the frequency and duration of events after adoption of an ordinance by a locality requesting such increase in frequency and duration. Such ordinance shall include the size and scope of the area within which such events will be held, a public safety plan, and any other considerations deemed necessary by the Board. Such limitations on the number of events that may be held shall not apply during the effective dates of any rule, regulation, or order that is issued by the Governor or State Health Commissioner to meet a public health emergency and that effectively reduces allowable restaurant seating capacity; however, designated outdoor refreshment area licensees shall be subject to all other applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations and shall provide notice to the Board regarding the days and times during which the privileges of the license will be exercised. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from permanent retail on-premises licensees located within the designated area may be consumed at the event, and such alcoholic beverages shall be contained in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers that clearly display the name or logo of the retail on-premises licensee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the designated outdoor refreshment area licensee. The designated outdoor refreshment area licensee shall post appropriate signage clearly demarcating for the public the boundaries of the event; however, no physical barriers shall be required for this purpose. The designated outdoor refreshment area licensee shall provide adequate security for the event to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations.
- Annual mixed beverage banquet licenses to duly organized private nonprofit fraternal, patriotic, or charitable membership organizations that are exempt from state and federal taxation and in charge of banquets conducted exclusively for members and their guests, which shall authorize the licensee to serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board on the premises of the place designated in the license. Such license shall authorize the licensee to conduct no more than 12 banquets per calendar year. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Equine sporting event licenses, which may be issued to organizations holding equestrian, hunt, and steeplechase events, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by patrons thereof during such event. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be (i) limited to the premises of the licensee, regularly occupied and utilized for equestrian, hunt, and steeplechase events, and (ii) exercised on no more than four calendar days per year.
- Annual arts venue event licenses, to persons operating an arts venue, which shall authorize the licensee participating in a community art walk that is open to the public to serve lawfully acquired wine or beer on the premises of the licensee to adult patrons thereof during such events. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, directly or indirectly, by the licensee, and the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any one adult patron. The privileges of this license shall be (i) limited to the premises of the arts venue regularly occupied and used as such and (ii) exercised on no more than 12 calendar days per year.
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Per-day event licenses.
- The Board may grant a marketplace license to persons operating a business enterprise of which the primary function is not the sale of alcoholic beverages, which shall authorize the licensee to serve complimentary wine or beer to bona fide customers on the licensed premises subject to any limitations imposed by the Board; however, the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any customer per day, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the wine or beer served or consumed. In order to be eligible for and retain a marketplace license, the applicant's business enterprise must (i) provide a single category of goods or services in a manner intended to create a personalized experience for the customer; (ii) employ staff with expertise in such goods or services; (iii) be ineligible for any other license granted by the Board; (iv) have an alcoholic beverage control manager on the licensed premises at all times alcohol is served; (v) ensure that all employees satisfy any training requirements imposed by the Board; and (vi) purchase all wine and beer to be served from a licensed wholesaler or the Authority and retain purchase records as prescribed by the Board. In determining whether to grant a marketplace license, the Board shall consider (a) the average amount of time customers spend at the business; (b) the business's hours of operation; (c) the amount of time that the business has been in operation; and (d) any other requirements deemed necessary by the Board to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
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The Board may grant the following shipper, bottler, and related licenses:
- Wine and beer shipper licenses, which shall carry the privileges and limitations set forth in § 4.1-209.1 .
- Internet wine and beer retailer licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and ship wine and beer, in accordance with § 4.1-209.1 and Board regulations, in closed containers to persons in the Commonwealth to whom wine and beer may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption. Such licensee shall not be required to comply with the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulations.
- Bottler licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of beer in closed containers and to bottle, sell, and deliver or ship it, in accordance with Board regulations to (i) wholesale beer licensees for the purpose of resale, (ii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- Fulfillment warehouse licenses, which shall authorize associations as defined in § 13.1-313 with a place of business located in the Commonwealth to (i) receive deliveries and shipments of wine or beer owned by holders of wine and beer shipper's licenses; (ii) store such wine or beer on behalf of the owner; and (iii) pick, pack, and ship such wine or beer as directed by the owner, all in accordance with Board regulations. No wholesale wine or wholesale beer licensee, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, or any person under common control of such licensee, shall acquire or hold any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the business for which any fulfillment warehouse license is issued.
- Marketing portal licenses, which shall authorize agricultural cooperative associations organized under the provisions of the Agricultural Cooperative Association Act (§ 13.1-312 et seq.), with a place of business located in the Commonwealth, in accordance with Board regulations, to solicit and receive orders for wine or beer through the use of the Internet from persons in the Commonwealth to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, on behalf of holders of wine and beer shipper's licenses. Upon receipt of an order for wine or beer, the licensee shall forward it to a holder of a wine and beer shipper's license for fulfillment. Marketing portal licensees may also accept payment on behalf of the shipper. (2020, cc. 15, 16, 32, 34, 400, 1009, 1113, 1114, 1179; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 34; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 182, 281, 282, 390, 391.)
Section set out twice. - The section set out above is effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-206.3 .
Editor's note. - Former § 4.1-210 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment to former § 4.1-210 by Acts 2020, c. 400 was incorporated in subdivision A 1 of this section by adding the (1) designation and adding clause (2) in the first sentence of the third paragraph.
Former § 4.1-210 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment to former § 4.1-210 by Acts 2020, c. 1009 was incorporated in this section by inserting the fifth paragraph in subdivision A 1.
Former § 4.1-210 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment to former § 4.1-210 by Acts 2020, cc. 15 and 32 were incorporated in this section by adding subdivision A 7 h and making related changes in subdivisions A 7 f and g.
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, deleted portions of former § 4.1-209 and relocated them to this section. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment by Acts 2020, c. 1179 to former § 4.1-209 has been given effect in this by section, by inserting "distillers" following "wineries, breweries," in subdivision C 1.
Former § 4.1-210 was repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment to former § 4.1-206 by Acts 2020, cc. 16 and 34 were incorporated in subdivision D 2 c of this section by substituting "16 special events per year, and the duration of any special event shall not exceed three consecutive days" for "12 special events per year" in the third sentence.
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 5, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That any person who (i) is licensed pursuant to subdivision A 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, or 19 of § 4.1-206 of the Code of Virginia, as it was in effect prior to July 1, 2020, and (ii) wishes to maintain licensure after December 31, 2021, shall apply for a marketplace license on or before July 1, 2021."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2020 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2020 amendment by Sp. Sess. I, c. 34, effective October 28, 2020, added the fourth sentence in subdivision D 2 c.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendment by Sp. Sess. I, c. 182, effective July 1, 2021, in the first sentence of subdivision D 1 a, added clause (iii) and made a stylistic change.
The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the first sentence of the first and second paragraphs of subdivision A 1 and A 6, inserted "on premises" and "or off-premises consumption"; in clause (1) of the third paragraph of subdivision A 1, inserted "or off-premises"; in clause (A) of the fifth paragraph of subdivision A 1, deleted "for on-premises consumption" following "sell alcoholic beverages" and inserted "for off-premises consumption or for on-premises consumption." For expiration date see Editor's note.
The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 390 and 391, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in subdivision D 2 c, substituted "designated outdoor refreshment area" for "local special events" and "special event" throughout; deleted "special" preceding "events" and "event" in the third and sixth sentences, added the fourth and fifth sentences, and deleted "special" preceding "event" in the last two sentences.
CASE NOTES
License suspended. - Circuit court properly upheld the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine for failure to comply with the statute because the ABC Board explained its reasoning for deviating from its guidelines, and acting within its discretion, it chose not to apply the substantial compliance doctrine and to impose a penalty, as it was permitted to do by the General Assembly. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017) (decided under prior law).
Given that the statutes clearly permitted the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's license for failing to meet the required food-beverage ratio, the court of appeals could not ignore the plain statutory language, and it had to affirm the ABC Board's decision to exercise its discretion of issuing a penalty; the plain language of the relevant statutes clearly gave the ABC Board the discretion to impose the penalty. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017) (decided under prior law).
Circuit court properly affirmed the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine because the ABC Board's imposition of the penalty did not lead to a patently absurd result; the ABC Board's decision was consistent with the plain letter of the law, and the lesser penalty imposed reflected its decision that the restaurant's violation of the food-beverage ratio was a relatively minor one. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017) (decided under prior law).
§ 4.1-206.3. (Effective July 1, 2022) Retail licenses.
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The Board may grant the following mixed beverages licenses:
- Mixed beverage restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for consumption in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurant. Such license may be granted only to persons (i) who operate a restaurant and (ii) whose gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after issuance of such license, amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. For the purposes of this subdivision, other designated areas shall include outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which outdoor dining areas may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided such areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 . If the restaurant is located on the premises of a hotel or motel with no fewer than four permanent bedrooms where food and beverage service is customarily provided by the restaurant in designated areas, bedrooms, and other private rooms of such hotel or motel, such licensee may (a) sell and serve mixed beverages for consumption in such designated areas, bedrooms, and other private rooms and (b) sell spirits packaged in original closed containers purchased from the Board for on-premises consumption to registered guests and at scheduled functions of such hotel or motel only in such bedrooms or private rooms. However, with regard to a hotel classified as a resort complex, the Board may authorize the sale and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages in all areas within the resort complex deemed appropriate by the Board. Nothing herein shall prohibit any person from keeping and consuming his own lawfully acquired spirits in bedrooms or private rooms. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a private, nonprofit, or profit club exclusively for its members and their guests, or members of another private, nonprofit, or profit club in another city with which it has an agreement for reciprocal dining privileges, such license shall also authorize the licensees to (1) sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption and (2) sell spirits that are packaged in original closed containers with a maximum capacity of two fluid ounces or 50 milliliters and purchased from the Board for on-premises consumption. Where such club prepares no food in its restaurant but purchases its food requirements from a restaurant licensed by the Board and located on another portion of the premises of the same hotel or motel building, this fact shall not prohibit the granting of a license by the Board to such club qualifying in all other respects. The club's gross receipts from the sale of nonalcoholic beverages consumed on the premises and food resold to its members and guests and consumed on the premises shall amount to at least 45 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. The food sales made by a restaurant to such a club shall be excluded in any consideration of the qualifications of such restaurant for a license from the Board. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a municipal golf course, the Board shall recognize the seasonal nature of the business and waive any applicable monthly food sales requirements for those months when weather conditions may reduce patronage of the golf course, provided that prepared food, including meals, is available to patrons during the same months. The gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after the issuance of such license, shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food on an annualized basis. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a culinary lodging resort, such license shall authorize the licensee to (A) sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises, in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board and other designated areas of the resort, including outdoor areas under the control of the licensee, and (B) permit the possession and consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages by persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided in bedrooms and private guest rooms. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Mixed beverage caterer's licenses, which may be granted only to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings or at special events, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service and nonalcoholic beverages served at gatherings and events referred to in this subdivision shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food.
- Mixed beverage limited caterer's licenses, which may be granted only to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings or at special events, not to exceed 12 gatherings or events per year, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service and nonalcoholic beverages served at gatherings and events referred to in this subdivision shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food.
- Mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by train, boat, bus, or airplane, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier, and in designated rooms of establishments of air carriers at airports in the Commonwealth. For purposes of supplying its airplanes, as well as any airplanes of a licensed express carrier flying under the same brand, an air carrier licensee may appoint an authorized representative to load alcoholic beverages onto the same airplanes and to transport and store alcoholic beverages at or in close proximity to the airport where the alcoholic beverages will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier. The air carrier licensee shall (i) designate for purposes of its license all locations where the inventory of alcoholic beverages may be stored and from which the alcoholic beverages will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier and (ii) maintain records of all alcoholic beverages to be transported, stored, and delivered by its authorized representative. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Annual mixed beverage motor sports facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell mixed beverages, in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, during scheduled events, as well as events or performances immediately subsequent thereto, to patrons in all dining facilities, seating areas, viewing areas, walkways, concession areas, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Such license may be granted to persons operating food concessions at an outdoor motor sports facility that (i) is located on 1,200 acres of rural property bordering the Dan River and has a track surface of 3.27 miles in length or (ii) hosts a NASCAR national touring race. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
- Limited mixed beverage restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve dessert wines as defined by Board regulation and no more than six varieties of liqueurs, which liqueurs shall be combined with coffee or other nonalcoholic beverages, for consumption in dining areas of the restaurant. Such license may be granted only to persons who operate a restaurant and in no event shall the sale of such wine or liqueur-based drinks, together with the sale of any other alcoholic beverages, exceed 10 percent of the total annual gross sales of all food and alcoholic beverages. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
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Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility licenses, which shall (i) authorize the licensee to sell, on the dates of performances or events, alcoholic beverages in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption in all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, similar facilities, and other areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board and (ii) automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1. Such licenses may be granted to the following:
- Corporations or associations operating a performing arts facility, provided the performing arts facility (i) is owned by a governmental entity; (ii) is occupied by a for-profit entity under a bona fide lease, the original term of which was for more than one year's duration; and (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards;
- Persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the City of Norfolk or the City of Richmond, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has a capacity in excess of 1,400 patrons; (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards; and (iv) has monthly gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises that meet or exceed the monthly minimum established by Board regulations for mixed beverage restaurants;
- Persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the City of Waynesboro, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 550 patrons; and (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards;
- Persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the arts and cultural district of the City of Harrisonburg, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards; (iii) has monthly gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises that meet or exceed the monthly minimum established by Board regulations for mixed beverage restaurants; and (iv) has a total capacity in excess of 900 patrons;
- Persons operating food concessions at any multipurpose theater located in the historical district of the Town of Bridgewater, provided that the theater (i) is owned and operated by a governmental entity and (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 100 patrons;
- Persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena, or similar facility that has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach;
- Persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena, or similar facility that has seating for more than 5,000 persons and is located in the City of Alexandria or the City of Portsmouth; or
- Persons operating food concessions at any corporate and performing arts facility located in Fairfax County, provided that the corporate and performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease, management, or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than one year and (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 1,400 patrons. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Combined mixed beverage restaurant and caterer's licenses, which may be granted to any restaurant or hotel that meets the qualifications for both a mixed beverage restaurant pursuant to subdivision 1 and mixed beverage caterer pursuant to subdivision 2 for the same business location, and which license shall authorize the licensee to operate as both a mixed beverage restaurant and mixed beverage caterer at the same business premises designated in the license, with a common alcoholic beverage inventory for purposes of the restaurant and catering operations. Such licensee shall meet the separate food qualifications established for the mixed beverage restaurant license pursuant to subdivision 1 and mixed beverage caterer's license pursuant to subdivision 2. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
- Bed and breakfast licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) serve alcoholic beverages in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas to persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided, with or without meals, for on-premises consumption only in such rooms and areas, and without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises and (ii) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages by persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided in (a) bedrooms or private guest rooms or (b) other designated areas of the bed and breakfast establishment. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 .
- Museum licenses, which may be issued to nonprofit museums exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which shall authorize the licensee to (i) permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any bona fide member and guests thereof and (ii) serve alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee to any bona fide member and guests thereof. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the museum, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Motor car sporting event facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by patrons thereof during such events. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, directly or indirectly, by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be limited to those areas of the licensee's premises designated by the Board that are regularly occupied and utilized for motor car sporting events.
- Commercial lifestyle center licenses, which may be issued only to a commercial owners' association governing a commercial lifestyle center, which shall authorize any retail on-premises restaurant licensee that is a tenant of the commercial lifestyle center to sell alcoholic beverages to any bona fide customer to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for consumption on that portion of the licensed premises of the commercial lifestyle center designated by the Board, including (i) plazas, seating areas, concourses, walkways, or such other similar areas and (ii) the premises of any tenant location of the commercial lifestyle center that is not a retail licensee of the Board, upon approval of such tenant, but excluding any parking areas. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from such retail on-premises restaurant licensees may be consumed on the licensed premises of the commercial lifestyle center, and such alcoholic beverages shall be contained in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers with the name or logo of the restaurant licensee that sold the alcoholic beverage clearly displayed. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the commercial lifestyle center licensee. The licensee shall post appropriate signage clearly demarcating for the public the boundaries of the licensed premises; however, no physical barriers shall be required for this purpose. The licensee shall provide adequate security for the licensed premises to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations.
- Mixed beverage port restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for consumption in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurant. Such license may be granted only to persons operating a business (i) that is primarily engaged in the sale of meals; (ii) that is located on property owned by the United States government or an agency thereof and used as a port of entry to or egress from the United States; and (iii) whose gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after issuance of such license, amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. For the purposes of this subdivision, other designated areas shall include outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which outdoor dining areas may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided such areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1.
- Annual mixed beverage special events licenses to (i) a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association operating either a performing arts facility or an art education and exhibition facility; (ii) a nonprofit corporation or association chartered by Congress for the preservation of sites, buildings, and objects significant in American history and culture; (iii) persons operating an agricultural event and entertainment park or similar facility that has a minimum of 50,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and equine and other livestock show areas, which includes barns, pavilions, or other structures equipped with roofs, exterior walls, and open-door or closed-door access; or (iv) a locality for special events conducted on the premises of a museum for historic interpretation that is owned and operated by the locality. The operation in all cases shall be upon premises owned by such licensee or occupied under a bona fide lease, the original term of which was for more than one year's duration. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages during scheduled events and performances for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
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The Board may grant an on-and-off-premises wine and beer license to the following:
- Hotels, restaurants, and clubs, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) for on-premises consumption, either with or without meals, in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurants, or in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas of such hotels or clubs, for consumption only in such rooms and areas. However, with regard to a hotel classified by the Board as (a) a resort complex, the Board may authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in all areas within the resort complex deemed appropriate by the Board or (b) a limited service hotel, the Board may authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas to persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided, for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas, and without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises, provided that at least one meal is provided each day by the hotel to such guests. With regard to facilities registered in accordance with Chapter 49 (§ 38.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 38.2 as continuing care communities that are also licensed by the Board under this subdivision, any resident may, upon authorization of the licensee, keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas covered by the license. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 .
- Hospitals, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer (i) in the rooms of patients for their on-premises consumption only in such rooms, provided the consent of the patient's attending physician is first obtained or (ii) in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Rural grocery stores, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption. No license shall be granted unless (i) the grocery store is located in any town or in a rural area outside the corporate limits of any city or town and (ii) it appears affirmatively that a substantial public demand for such licensed establishment exists and that public convenience and the purposes of this title will be promoted by granting the license.
- Coliseums, stadiums, and racetracks, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during any event and immediately subsequent thereto to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and additional locations designated by the Board (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating food concessions at coliseums, stadiums, racetracks, or similar facilities.
- Performing arts food concessionaires, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during the performance of any event to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, or concession areas, or other areas approved by the Board (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena, or similar facility that (a) has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach; (b) has seating or capacity for more than 3,500 persons and is located in the County of Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Nelson, Pittsylvania, or Rockingham or the City of Charlottesville, Danville, or Roanoke; or (c) has capacity for more than 9,500 persons and is located in Henrico County.
- Exhibition halls, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during the event to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities (i) in closed containers for off-premises consumption or (ii) in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating food concessions at exhibition or exposition halls, convention centers, or similar facilities located in any county operating under the urban county executive form of government or any city that is completely surrounded by such county. For purposes of this subdivision, "exhibition or exposition hall" and "convention centers" mean facilities conducting private or public trade shows or exhibitions in an indoor facility having in excess of 100,000 square feet of floor space.
- Concert and dinner-theaters, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during events to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, dining areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities, for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption. Persons licensed pursuant to this subdivision shall serve food, prepared on or off premises, whenever wine or beer is served. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating concert or dinner-theater venues on property fronting Natural Bridge School Road in Natural Bridge Station and formerly operated as Natural Bridge High School.
- Historic cinema houses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer, either with or without meals, during any showing of a motion picture to patrons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold, for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the historic cinema house regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Nonprofit museums, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board. Such licenses may be granted to persons operating a nonprofit museum exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, located in the Town of Front Royal, and dedicated to educating the consuming public about historic beer products. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the museum, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
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The Board may grant the following off-premises wine and beer licenses:
- Retail off-premises wine and beer licenses, which may be granted to a convenience grocery store, delicatessen, drugstore, gift shop, gourmet oyster house, gourmet shop, grocery store, or marina store as defined in § 4.1-100 and Board regulations. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption and, notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-308 , to give to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold a sample of wine or beer for on-premises consumption; however, no single sample shall exceed four ounces of beer or two ounces of wine and no more than 12 ounces of beer or five ounces of wine shall be served to any person per day. The licensee may also give samples of wine and beer in designated areas at events held by the licensee for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. With the consent of the licensee, farm wineries, wineries, breweries, distillers, and wholesale licensees or authorized representatives of such licensees may participate in such tastings, including the pouring of samples. The licensee shall comply with any food inventory and sales volume requirements established by Board regulation.
- Gourmet brewing shop licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and to rent to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting, and bottling such wine or beer, for off-premises consumption in accordance with subdivision 6 of § 4.1-200 .
- Confectionery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to prepare and sell on the licensed premises for off-premises consumption confectionery that contains five percent or less alcohol by volume. Any alcohol contained in such confectionery shall not be in liquid form at the time such confectionery is sold.
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The Board may grant the following banquet, special event, and tasting licenses:
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Per-day event licenses.
- Banquet licenses to persons in charge of banquets, and to duly organized nonprofit corporations or associations in charge of special events, which shall authorize the licensee to sell or give wine and beer in rooms or areas approved by the Board for the occasion for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas. Licensees who are nonprofit corporations or associations conducting fundraisers (i) shall also be authorized to sell wine, as part of any fundraising activity, in closed containers for off-premises consumption to persons to whom wine may be lawfully sold; (ii) shall be limited to no more than one such fundraiser per year; and (iii) if conducting such fundraiser through an online meeting platform, may ship such wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to persons located within the Commonwealth. Except as provided in § 4.1-215 , a separate license shall be required for each day of each banquet or special event. For the purposes of this subdivision, when the location named in the original application for a license is outdoors, the application may also name an alternative location in the event of inclement weather. However, no such license shall be required of any hotel, restaurant, or club holding a retail wine and beer license.
- Mixed beverage special events licenses to a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association in charge of a special event, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board on the premises of the place designated in the license. A separate license shall be required for each day of each special event.
- Mixed beverage club events licenses to a club holding a wine and beer club license, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption by club members and their guests in areas approved by the Board on the club premises. A separate license shall be required for each day of each club event. No more than 12 such licenses shall be granted to a club in any calendar year. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Tasting licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell or give samples of alcoholic beverages of the type specified in the license in designated areas at events held by the licensee. A tasting license shall be issued for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. A separate license shall be required for each day of each tasting event. No tasting license shall be required for conduct authorized by § 4.1-201.1 .
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Annual licenses.
- Annual banquet licenses to duly organized private nonprofit fraternal, patriotic, or charitable membership organizations that are exempt from state and federal taxation and in charge of banquets conducted exclusively for members and their guests, which shall authorize the licensee to serve wine and beer in rooms or areas approved by the Board for the occasion for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas. Such license shall authorize the licensee to conduct no more than 12 banquets per calendar year. For the purposes of this subdivision, when the location named in the original application for a license is outdoors, the application may also name an alternative location in the event of inclement weather. However, no such license shall be required of any hotel, restaurant, or club holding a retail wine and beer license.
- Banquet facility licenses to volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical services agencies, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by any person, and bona fide members and guests thereof, otherwise eligible for a banquet license. However, lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages shall not be purchased or sold by the licensee or sold or charged for in any way by the person permitted to use the premises. Such premises shall be a volunteer fire or volunteer emergency medical services agency station or both, regularly occupied as such and recognized by the governing body of the county, city, or town in which it is located. Under conditions as specified by Board regulation, such premises may be other than a volunteer fire or volunteer emergency medical services agency station, provided such other premises are occupied and under the control of the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency while the privileges of its license are being exercised.
- Designated outdoor refreshment area licenses to a locality, business improvement district, or nonprofit organization, which shall authorize (i) the licensee to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the area designated by the Board for the designated outdoor refreshment area and (ii) any permanent retail on-premises licensee that is located within the area designated by the Board for the designated outdoor refreshment area to sell alcoholic beverages within the permanent retail location for consumption in the area designated for the designated outdoor refreshment area, including sidewalks and the premises of businesses not licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail, upon approval of such businesses. In determining the designated area for the designated outdoor refreshment area, the Board shall consult with the locality. Designated outdoor refreshment area licensees shall be limited to 16 events per year, and the duration of any event shall not exceed three consecutive days. However, the Board may increase the frequency and duration of events after adoption of an ordinance by a locality requesting such increase in frequency and duration. Such ordinance shall include the size and scope of the area within which such events will be held, a public safety plan, and any other considerations deemed necessary by the Board. Such limitations on the number of events that may be held shall not apply during the effective dates of any rule, regulation, or order that is issued by the Governor or State Health Commissioner to meet a public health emergency and that effectively reduces allowable restaurant seating capacity; however, designated outdoor refreshment area licensees shall be subject to all other applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations and shall provide notice to the Board regarding the days and times during which the privileges of the license will be exercised. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from permanent retail on-premises licensees located within the designated area may be consumed at the event, and such alcoholic beverages shall be contained in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers that clearly display the name or logo of the retail on-premises licensee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the designated outdoor refreshment area licensee. The designated outdoor refreshment area licensee shall post appropriate signage clearly demarcating for the public the boundaries of the event; however, no physical barriers shall be required for this purpose. The designated outdoor refreshment area licensee shall provide adequate security for the event to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this title and Board regulations.
- Annual mixed beverage banquet licenses to duly organized private nonprofit fraternal, patriotic, or charitable membership organizations that are exempt from state and federal taxation and in charge of banquets conducted exclusively for members and their guests, which shall authorize the licensee to serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board on the premises of the place designated in the license. Such license shall authorize the licensee to conduct no more than 12 banquets per calendar year. The granting of a license pursuant to this subdivision shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license pursuant to § 4.1-233.1 .
- Equine sporting event licenses, which may be issued to organizations holding equestrian, hunt, and steeplechase events, which shall authorize the licensee to permit the consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises of the licensee by patrons thereof during such event. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way by the licensee. The privileges of this license shall be (i) limited to the premises of the licensee, regularly occupied and utilized for equestrian, hunt, and steeplechase events, and (ii) exercised on no more than four calendar days per year.
- Annual arts venue event licenses, to persons operating an arts venue, which shall authorize the licensee participating in a community art walk that is open to the public to serve lawfully acquired wine or beer on the premises of the licensee to adult patrons thereof during such events. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or charged for in any way, directly or indirectly, by the licensee, and the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any one adult patron. The privileges of this license shall be (i) limited to the premises of the arts venue regularly occupied and used as such and (ii) exercised on no more than 12 calendar days per year.
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Per-day event licenses.
- The Board may grant a marketplace license to persons operating a business enterprise of which the primary function is not the sale of alcoholic beverages, which shall authorize the licensee to serve complimentary wine or beer to bona fide customers on the licensed premises subject to any limitations imposed by the Board; however, the licensee shall not give more than two five-ounce glasses of wine or two 12-ounce glasses of beer to any customer per day, nor shall it sell or otherwise charge a fee to such customer for the wine or beer served or consumed. In order to be eligible for and retain a marketplace license, the applicant's business enterprise must (i) provide a single category of goods or services in a manner intended to create a personalized experience for the customer; (ii) employ staff with expertise in such goods or services; (iii) be ineligible for any other license granted by the Board; (iv) have an alcoholic beverage control manager on the licensed premises at all times alcohol is served; (v) ensure that all employees satisfy any training requirements imposed by the Board; and (vi) purchase all wine and beer to be served from a licensed wholesaler or the Authority and retain purchase records as prescribed by the Board. In determining whether to grant a marketplace license, the Board shall consider (a) the average amount of time customers spend at the business; (b) the business's hours of operation; (c) the amount of time that the business has been in operation; and (d) any other requirements deemed necessary by the Board to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
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The Board may grant the following shipper, bottler, and related licenses:
- Wine and beer shipper licenses, which shall carry the privileges and limitations set forth in § 4.1-209.1 .
- Internet wine and beer retailer licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and ship wine and beer, in accordance with § 4.1-209.1 and Board regulations, in closed containers to persons in the Commonwealth to whom wine and beer may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption. Such licensee shall not be required to comply with the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulations.
- Bottler licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of beer in closed containers and to bottle, sell, and deliver or ship it, in accordance with Board regulations to (i) wholesale beer licensees for the purpose of resale, (ii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- Fulfillment warehouse licenses, which shall authorize associations as defined in § 13.1-313 with a place of business located in the Commonwealth to (i) receive deliveries and shipments of wine or beer owned by holders of wine and beer shipper's licenses; (ii) store such wine or beer on behalf of the owner; and (iii) pick, pack, and ship such wine or beer as directed by the owner, all in accordance with Board regulations. No wholesale wine or wholesale beer licensee, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, or any person under common control of such licensee, shall acquire or hold any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the business for which any fulfillment warehouse license is issued.
- Marketing portal licenses, which shall authorize agricultural cooperative associations organized under the provisions of the Agricultural Cooperative Association Act (§ 13.1-312 et seq.), with a place of business located in the Commonwealth, in accordance with Board regulations, to solicit and receive orders for wine or beer through the use of the Internet from persons in the Commonwealth to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, on behalf of holders of wine and beer shipper's licenses. Upon receipt of an order for wine or beer, the licensee shall forward it to a holder of a wine and beer shipper's license for fulfillment. Marketing portal licensees may also accept payment on behalf of the shipper. (2020, cc. 15, 16, 32, 34, 400, 1009, 1113, 1114, 1179; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 34; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 182, 390, 391.)
Section set out twice. - The section set out above is effective July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-206.3 .
§ 4.1-207. (Repealed effective January 1, 2022) Wine licenses.
The Board may grant the following licenses relating to wine:
- Winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture wine and to sell and deliver or ship the wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons licensed to sell the wine so manufactured at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. In addition, such license shall authorize the licensee to (i) operate distilling equipment on the premises of the licensee in the manufacture of spirits from fruit or fruit juices only, which shall be used only for the fortification of wine produced by the licensee; (ii) operate a contract winemaking facility on the premises of the licensee in accordance with Board regulations; (iii) store wine in bonded warehouses on or off the licensed premises upon permit issued by the Board; and (iv) sell wine at retail on the premises described in the winery license for on-premises consumption or in closed containers for off-premises consumption, provided that such wine is manufactured on the licensed premises.
- Wholesale wine licenses, including those granted pursuant to § 4.1-207.1 , which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of wine and to sell and deliver or ship the wine from one or more premises identified in the license, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to (i) persons licensed to sell such wine in the Commonwealth, (ii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth, (iii) religious congregations for use only for sacramental purposes, and (iv) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state. No wholesale wine licensee shall purchase wine for resale from a person outside the Commonwealth who does not hold a wine importer's license unless such wholesale wine licensee holds a wine importer's license and purchases wine for resale pursuant to the privileges of such wine importer's license.
- Wine importers' licenses, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and deliver or ship wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, and to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- Retail off-premises winery licenses to persons holding winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine at the place of business designated in the winery license, in closed containers, for off-premises consumption.
- Farm winery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture wine containing 21 percent or less of alcohol by volume and to sell, deliver or ship the wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to (i) the Board, (ii) persons licensed to sell the wine so manufactured at wholesale for the purpose of resale, or (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth. In addition, the licensee may (a) acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of wine and sell and deliver or ship this wine, in accordance with Board regulations, to the Board, persons licensed to sell wine at wholesale for the purpose of resale, or persons outside the Commonwealth; (b) operate a contract winemaking facility on the premises of the licensee in accordance with Board regulations; and (c) store wine in bonded warehouses located on or off the licensed premises upon permits issued by the Board. For the purposes of this title, a farm winery license shall be designated either as a Class A or Class B farm winery license in accordance with the limitations set forth in § 4.1-219 . A farm winery may enter into an agreement in accordance with Board regulations with a winery or farm winery licensee operating a contract winemaking facility. Such licenses shall also authorize the licensee to sell wine at retail at the places of business designated in the licenses, which may include no more than five additional retail establishments of the licensee. Wine may be sold at these business places for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption. In addition, wine may be pre-mixed by the licensee to be served and sold for on-premises or off-premises consumption at these business places.
- Internet wine retailer license, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and ship wine, in accordance with § 4.1-209.1 and Board regulations, in closed containers to persons in the Commonwealth to whom wine may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption. Such licensee shall not be required to comply with the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulations. (Code 1950, § 4-25; 1952, c. 535; 1956, c. 520; 1962, c. 532; 1964, c. 210; 1970, cc. 627, 723; 1972, c. 679; 1973, c. 343; 1974, c. 267; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 134, 447, 496, 703; 1977, c. 439; 1978, c. 190; 1979, c. 258; 1980, cc. 324, 526, 528, § 4-25.1; 1981, cc. 410, 412; 1982, c. 66; 1984, cc. 200, 559; 1985, c. 457; 1986, c. 190; 1987, c. 365; 1988, c. 893; 1989, c. 42; 1990, cc. 300, 390, 707, 810; 1991, c. 628; 1992, cc. 215, 350; 1993, c. 866; 1998, cc. 77, 208; 2000, cc. 786, 1037, 1052; 2003, cc. 564, 629, 1029, 1030; 2006, c. 845; 2007, cc. 558, 870, 932; 2008, c. 194; 2013, cc. 107, 117, 596; 2015, cc. 54, 288, 412; 2020, c. 1008; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section repealed effective January 1, 2022. - This section is repealed effective January 1, 2022, by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 2.
Cross references. - For current provisions as to winery, wine importer and farm winery licenses, see § 4.1-206.1 ; for wholesale wine licenses, see § 4.1-206.2 , and for retail off-premises wine licenses and internet wine retailer licenses, see § 4.1-206.3 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, repealed various sections in this chapter and recodified them. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendments by Acts 2020, c. 1008 have also been given effect in § 4.1-206.1 , effective July 1, 2021.
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
The 1998 amendments. - The 1998 amendments by cc. 77 and 208 are identical, and in subdivision 2, in the first paragraph, in clause (ii), deleted "and" following "resale outside the Commonwealth" and added the language beginning "and (iv) owners of boats."
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendment by c. 786 substituted "eighteen percent" for "fourteen percent" in the first sentence of subdivision 5.
The 2000 amendments by cc. 1037 and 1052 are identical, and added the sentence beginning "For the purposes of this title" in subdivision 5.
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 564, in subdivision 1, inserted the clause (i) designation, and added clause (ii); and in subdivision 5, substituted "18" for "eighteen" in the first sentence, and in the next-to-last sentence, added the designation for present clause (a) and added present clause (b).
The 2003 amendment by c. 629 substituted "18" for "eighteen" in subdivision 5; and substituted "five" for "two" in the first sentence of the last paragraph.
The 2003 amendments by cc. 1029 and 1030 are identical, and in subdivision 4, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence, and added the last sentence; and in subdivision 5, substituted "18" for "eighteen" in the first paragraph, and in the last paragraph, deleted "and shipment" following "delivery" in the second sentence, and added the last sentence.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 845 deleted "and to deliver the wine to the purchasers in accordance with Board regulations. All such deliveries of wine shall be performed by the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder or employee of the licensee" at the end of subdivision 4; and in subdivision 5, deleted "or retail" after "wholesale" in clause (ii) of the first sentence, and deleted "including delivery of such wine to purchasers in accordance with Board regulations. All such deliveries of wine shall be performed by the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder or employee of the licensee" at the end of the second paragraph.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 558 added subdivision 6.
The 2007 amendments by cc. 870 and 932, effective April 4, 2007, are identical, and in subdivision 2, inserted "including those granted pursuant to § 4.1-207.1 ," near the beginning and "from one or more premises identified in the license" near the middle.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 194 rewrote clause (a) of subdivision 5, which read: "acquire and receive deliveries and shipment of wine manufactured by the licensee and to sell and deliver or ship this wine, in accordance with Board regulations, to persons licensed to sell wine in the Commonwealth, § 4.1-326 notwithstanding and."
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendments by cc. 107 and 117 are identical, and in subdivision 1, inserted clause (ii) and redesignated accordingly; in subdivision 5, inserted clause (b), redesignated former (b) as (c), and added the last sentence thereof; and made related changes.
The 2013 amendment by c. 596 added the last sentence of the second paragraph in subdivision 5.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 54 and 288 are identical, and substituted "21 percent" for "18 percent" in the first sentence of subdivision 5.
The 2015 amendment by c. 412 deleted " § 4.1-326 notwithstanding" at the end of clause (ii) in subdivision 5.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 1008, in subdivision 1, added clause (iv) and made stylistic changes.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the second paragraph of subdivision 5, inserted "or off-premises" in the third sentence. For expiration date, see Editor's note.
Editor's note. - The cases below were decided prior to Acts 2003, cc. 1029 and 1030, which enacted § 4.1-112.1 [see now §§ 4.1-209.1 and 4.1-212.1 ] and amended other sections of Title 4.1.
CASE NOTES
Constitutionality. - Virginia's ban on the direct shipment of wine to Virginia consumers from out-of-state entities, while Virginia not only permits, but encourages, direct shipment to consumers by in-state wineries and farm wineries, violates the dormant commerce clause and is unconstitutional. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11118 (E.D. Va. 2001), modified and approved, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
System whereby Virginia wineries, farm wineries, breweries, and off-premises licensees could directly ship beer and wine to Virginia and out-of-state consumers, where legal, but out-of-state vendors could neither obtain a Virginia license nor directly ship beer or wine to Virginia consumers, was the very definition of a facially discriminatory law; statutes were unconstitutional forms of discrimination in their in-state preferences for Virginia wine and beer. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Issuance of wholesale wine license to cooperative wholesaler. - A wholesale wine license may be issued to a cooperative wholesaler pursuant to this section. Such license is not prohibited by subdivision 2 of § 4.1-223 provided the cooperative wholesaler is not "owned, in whole or in part, by any manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, any subsidiary or affiliate of such manufacturer or any person under common control with such manufacturer." See opinion of Attorney General to The Honorable Robert S. Bloxom, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, 06-019, 2006 Va. AG LEXIS 16 (4/18/06).
Provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and the Board's regulations governing wholesale licenses also apply to wholesale licenses held by cooperatives. See opinion of Attorney General to The Honorable Robert S. Bloxom, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, 06-019, 2006 Va. AG LEXIS 16 (4/18/06).
§ 4.1-207.1. (Repealed effective January 1, 2022) Restricted wholesale wine licenses.
The Board may grant a wholesale wine license to a nonprofit, nonstock corporation created in accordance with subdivision B 2 of § 3.2-102, which shall authorize the licensee to provide wholesale wine distribution services to winery and farm winery licensees, provided that no more than 3,000 cases of wine produced by a winery or farm winery licensee shall be distributed by the corporation in any one year. The corporation shall provide such distribution services in accordance with the terms of a written agreement approved by the corporation between it and the winery or farm winery licensee, which shall comply with the provisions of this title and Board regulations. The corporation shall receive all of the privileges of, and be subject to, all laws and regulations governing wholesale wine licenses granted under subdivision 2 of § 4.1-207 .
(2007, cc. 870, 932; 2012, cc. 803, 835.)
Section repealed effective January 1, 2022. - This section is repealed effective January 1, 2022, by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 2.
Cross references. - For current provisions as to restricted wholesale wine licenses, see § 4.1-206.2 .
As to delivery of wine or beer to retail licensee, see § 4.1-310.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2007, cc. 870 and 932, cl. 2 provides: "That an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage [April 4, 2007]."
Acts 2007, cc. 870 and 932, cl. 3 provides: "That the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall implement the provisions of this act consistent with an opinion of the Attorney General dated April 18, 2006, within 90 days of the effective date of this act."
At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, Title 3.1 references were changed to Title 3.2 references to conform to Acts 2008, c. 860.
Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 16 provides: "That the Governor may transfer an appropriation or any portion thereof within a state agency established, abolished, or otherwise affected by the provisions of the 13th enactment of this act, or from one such agency to another, to support the changes in organization or responsibility resulting from or required by the provisions of the 13th enactment of this act, provided that any such transfer shall be limited to salary and fringe benefits for any personnel transferred and reasonable administrative overhead and costs."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendments by cc. 803 and 835, cl. 13, are identical, and substituted "subdivision B 3" for "subdivision B 5" in the first sentence. The 2012 amendments by cc. 803 and 835, cl. 106, also updated the reference to § 3.2-102. The reference was changed to "subdivision B 2" at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission.
§ 4.1-208. (Repealed effective January 1, 2022) Beer licenses.
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The Board may grant the following licenses relating to beer:
- Brewery licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to manufacture beer and to sell and deliver or ship the beer so manufactured, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to (i) persons licensed to sell the beer at wholesale; (ii) persons licensed to sell beer at retail for the purpose of resale within a theme or amusement park owned and operated by the brewery or a parent, subsidiary or a company under common control of such brewery, or upon property of such brewery or a parent, subsidiary or a company under common control of such brewery contiguous to such premises, or in a development contiguous to such premises owned and operated by such brewery or a parent, subsidiary or a company under common control of such brewery; and (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. Such license shall also authorize the licensee to sell at retail the brands of beer that the brewery owns at premises described in the brewery license for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption, provided that not less than 20 percent of the volume of beer sold for on-premises consumption in any calendar year is manufactured on the licensed premises. Such license may also authorize individuals holding a brewery license to (a) operate a facility designed for and utilized exclusively for the education of persons in the manufacture of beer, including sampling by such individuals of beer products, within a theme or amusement park located upon the premises occupied by such brewery, or upon property of such person contiguous to such premises, or in a development contiguous to such premises owned and operated by such person or a wholly owned subsidiary or (b) offer samples of the brewery's products to individuals visiting the licensed premises, provided that such samples shall be provided only to individuals for consumption on the premises of such facility or licensed premises and only to individuals to whom such products may be lawfully sold.
- Limited brewery licenses, to breweries that manufacture no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per calendar year, provided that (i) the brewery is located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural and owned or leased by such brewery or its owner and (ii) agricultural products, including barley, other grains, hops, or fruit, used by such brewery in the manufacture of its beer are grown on the farm. The licensed premises shall be limited to the portion of the farm on which agricultural products, including barley, other grains, hops, or fruit, used by such brewery in the manufacture of its beer are grown and that is contiguous to the premises of such brewery where the beer is manufactured, exclusive of any residence and the curtilage thereof. However, the Board may, with notice to the local governing body in accordance with the provisions of § 4.1-230 , also approve other portions of the farm to be included as part of the licensed premises. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" means (a) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (b) land otherwise permitted by a locality for limited brewery use. For purposes of this subdivision, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in this definition shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority. Limited brewery licensees shall be treated as breweries for all purposes of this title except as otherwise provided in this subdivision.
- Bottlers' licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of beer in closed containers and to bottle, sell and deliver or ship it, in accordance with Board regulations to (i) wholesale beer licensees for the purpose of resale, (ii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth.
- Wholesale beer licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to acquire and receive deliveries and shipments of beer and to sell and deliver or ship the beer from one or more premises identified in the license, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to (i) persons licensed under this chapter to sell such beer at wholesale or retail for the purpose of resale, (ii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state, and (iii) persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth. No wholesale beer licensee shall purchase beer for resale from a person outside the Commonwealth who does not hold a beer importer's license unless such wholesale beer licensee holds a beer importer's license and purchases beer for resale pursuant to the privileges of such beer importer's license.
- Beer importers' licenses, which shall authorize persons licensed within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and deliver or ship beer into the Commonwealth, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers, to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell beer at wholesale for the purpose of resale.
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Retail on-premises beer licenses to:
- Hotels, restaurants, and clubs, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer, either with or without meals, only in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurants, or in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas of such hotels or clubs, for consumption only in such rooms and areas. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 .
- Persons operating dining cars, buffet cars, and club cars of trains, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer, either with or without meals, in the dining cars, buffet cars, and club cars so operated by them for on-premises consumption when carrying passengers.
- Persons operating sight-seeing boats, or special or charter boats, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer, either with or without meals, on such boats operated by them for on-premises consumption when carrying passengers.
- Grocery stores located in any town or in a rural area outside the corporate limits of any city or town, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer for on-premises consumption in such establishments. No license shall be granted unless it appears affirmatively that a substantial public demand for such licensed establishment exists and that public convenience and the purposes of this title will be promoted by granting the license.
- Persons operating food concessions at coliseums, stadia, or similar facilities, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer, in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, during the performance of professional sporting exhibitions, events or performances immediately subsequent thereto, to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and additional locations designated by the Board in such coliseums, stadia, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license.
- Persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena or similar facility which has seating for more than 3,500 persons and is located in Albemarle, Augusta, Pittsylvania, Nelson, or Rockingham Counties. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell beer during the performance of any event, in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license.
- Persons operating food concessions at exhibition or exposition halls, convention centers or similar facilities located in any county operating under the urban county executive form of government or any city which is completely surrounded by such county, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer during the event, in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. For purposes of this subsection, "exhibition or exposition halls" and "convention centers" mean facilities conducting private or public trade shows or exhibitions in an indoor facility having in excess of 100,000 square feet of floor space.
- A nonprofit museum exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, located in the Town of Front Royal, and dedicated to educating the consuming public about historic beer products, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the museum, regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Retail off-premises beer licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Retail off-premises brewery licenses to persons holding a brewery license which shall authorize the licensee to sell beer at the place of business designated in the brewery license, in closed containers which shall include growlers and other reusable containers, for off-premises consumption.
- Retail on-and-off premises beer licenses to persons enumerated in subdivisions 6 a and 6 d, which shall accord all the privileges conferred by retail on-premises beer licenses and in addition, shall authorize the licensee to sell beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Internet beer retailer license, which shall authorize persons located within or outside the Commonwealth to sell and ship beer, in accordance with § 4.1-209.1 and Board regulations, in closed containers to persons in the Commonwealth to whom beer may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption. Such licensee shall not be required to comply with the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulations.
- Any farm winery or limited brewery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board in accordance with this title and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery or limited brewery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 , notwithstanding (a) the provisions of this section or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery or limited brewery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery or limited brewery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016 may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery or limited brewery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016 may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of this title and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery or limited brewery on or after July 1, 2016. (Code 1950, § 4-25; 1952, c. 535; 1956, c. 520; 1962, c. 532; 1964, c. 210; 1970, cc. 627, 723; 1972, c. 679; 1973, c. 343; 1974, c. 267; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 134, 447, 496, 703; 1977, c. 439; 1978, c. 190; 1979, c. 258; 1980, cc. 526, 528; 1981, cc. 410, 412; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 200; 1987, c. 365; 1988, c. 893; 1989, c. 42; 1990, c. 707; 1991, c. 628; 1992, cc. 215, 350; 1993, cc. 828, 866; 1994, c. 585; 1995, cc. 497, 518, 544, 570; 1996, cc. 443, 604; 1997, cc. 489, 646, 662; 2000, c. 1047; 2003, cc. 329, 1029, 1030; 2006, c. 845; 2007, cc. 813, 870, 932; 2012, c. 619; 2014, c. 365; 2015, c. 412; 2016, cc. 671, 710; 2017, cc. 76, 153; 2018, cc. 63, 234, 337, 665.)
Section repealed effective January 1, 2022. - This section is repealed effective January 1, 2022, by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 2.
Cross references. - For current provisions as to brewery and limited brewery licenses, and other beer manufacturers' licenses, see § 4.1-206.1 ; for wholesale beer licenses, see § 4.1-206.2 ; and for retail on and off-premises beer licenses and other retail beer licenses, see § 4.1-206.3 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, c. 828 amended former § 4-25, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, the 1993 amendment by c. 828 has been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 828, the phrase "or performances immediately subsequent thereto" was inserted after "exhibitions, events" in subdivision 5 e.
Acts 2007, cc. 870 and 932, cl. 3 provides: "That the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall implement the provisions of this act consistent with an opinion of the Attorney General dated April 18, 2006, within 90 days of the effective date of this act."
Acts 2016, cc. 671 and 710, cl. 2 was codified as subsection B of this section at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission.
Acts 2016, cc. 671 and 710, cl. 3 provides: "That any person who, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) has a pending application with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (the Board) for a license as a farm winery or limited brewery in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia, (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery or limited brewery use, and (iii) subsequently is issued a license as a farm winery or limited brewery shall be allowed to engage in such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of this act or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery or limited brewery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery or limited brewery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery or limited brewery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery or limited brewery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2018, cc. 63 and 234, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2018 cc. 63 and 234, cl. 3 provides: "The provisions of this act shall become effective on April 30, 2022, for a brewery which has entered into: 1) a Performance Agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia Development Opportunity Fund, on or about April 20, 2016; 2) a Performance Agreement entitled 'Regarding Operation Period Economic Development Grant', on or about April 20, 2016, and 3) a commercial lease agreement, on or about April 14, 2017."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendment by c. 1047 added the last two sentences in subdivision 1, and deleted "(i) has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in any county with a population between 210,000 and 216,000 or in any city with a population between 392,000 and 394,000 or (ii)" following "similar facility which" near the beginning of subdivision 5 f.
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 329 substituted "sight-seeing boats, or special or charter boats" for "boats for which certificates as a sight-seeing carrier by boat, or a special or charter party by boat have been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to § 46.2-2099.20 " in subdivision 5 c.
The 2003 amendments by cc. 1029 and 1030 are identical, and in subdivision 6, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence and added the last sentence; in subdivision 7, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence and added the last sentence; and in subdivision 8, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence and added the last sentence.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 845, in the first sentence in subdivision 1, deleted former clauses (ii) and (iii) which read: "(ii) persons licensed to sell beer at retail for the purpose of resale, only as provided in subdivision B 4 of § 4.1-216 , (iii) owners of boats registered under the laws of the United States sailing for ports of call of a foreign country or another state," inserted clause (ii) and redesignated former clause (iv) as clause (iii); and deleted "and to deliver the beer to purchasers in accordance with Board regulations. All such deliveries of beer shall be performed by the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder or employee of the licensee" at the end of subdivisions 6, 7, and 8, and made related changes in subdivision 7.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 813 substituted "Albemarle, Augusta, Pittsylvania, or Rockingham Counties" for "any county with a population between 65,000 and 70,000" in subdivision 5 f.
The 2007 amendments by cc. 870 and 932, effective April 4, 2007, are identical, and substituted "the beer from one or more premises identified in the license," for "it" near the beginning of subdivision 3.
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendment by c. 619, in subdivision 1, added the last sentence of the first paragraph and in the second paragraph, inserted the clause (a) designator, substituted "subsidiary or (b) offer samples of the brewery's products to individuals visiting the licensed premises, provided that such samples shall be provided" for "subsidiary. Provided, however, that such samples may be provided" and inserted "or licensed premises."
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendment by c. 365 added subdivision 2 and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; and in subdivision 9, substituted "6 a and 6 b" for "5 a and 5 b."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 412 added the last two sentences in subdivision 6 a and inserted "Nelson" in subdivision 6 f.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendments by cc. 671 and 710 are identical, and added the last three sentences in the first paragraph in subdivision 2 and added subsection B. For applicability, see Editor's note.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 76 and 153 are identical, and inserted "or in single original metal cans" in subdivisions A 6 e through A 6 g.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendments by cc. 63 and 234, effective January 1, 2019, are identical and added "provided that not less than 20 percent of the volume of beer sold for on-premises consumption in any calendar year is manufactured on the licensed premises" at the end of the first paragraph of subdivision A 1.
The 2018 amendment by c. 337 added subdivision A 10.
The 2018 amendment by c. 665 added subdivision A 6 h.
CASE NOTES
Constitutionality. - Virginia's ban on the direct shipment of wine to Virginia consumers from out-of-state entities, while Virginia not only permits, but encourages, direct shipment to consumers by in-state wineries and farm wineries, violates the dormant commerce clause and is unconstitutional. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11118 (E.D. Va. 2001), modified and approved, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
This section, which provides that out-of-state beer may not be shipped into Virginia other than to a Virginia licensee and that no out-of-state producer may be granted a license, violates the dormant commerce clause and is unconstitutional. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11118 (E.D. Va. 2001), modified and approved, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
System whereby Virginia wineries, farm wineries, breweries, and off-premises licensees could directly ship beer and wine to Virginia and out-of-state consumers, where legal, but out-of-state vendors could neither obtain a Virginia license nor directly ship beer or wine to Virginia consumers, was the very definition of a facially discriminatory law; statutes were unconstitutional forms of discrimination in their in-state preferences for Virginia wine and beer. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
§ 4.1-209. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Wine and beer licenses; advertising.
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The Board may grant the following licenses relating to wine and beer:
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Retail on-premises wine and beer licenses to:
- Hotels, restaurants and clubs, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer, either with or without meals, only in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurants, or in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas of such hotels or clubs, for consumption only in such rooms and areas. However, with regard to a hotel classified by the Board as (i) a resort complex, the Board may authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in all areas within the resort complex deemed appropriate by the Board or (ii) a limited service hotel, the Board may authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas to persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided, for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas, and without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises, provided that at least one meal is provided each day by the hotel to such guests. With regard to facilities registered in accordance with Chapter 49 (§ 38.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 38.2 of the Code of Virginia as continuing care communities that are also licensed by the Board under this subdivision, any resident may, upon authorization of the licensee, keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas covered by the license. For purposes of this subdivision, "other designated areas" includes outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided that such outdoor dining areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 ;
- Persons operating dining cars, buffet cars, and club cars of trains, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer, either with or without meals, in the dining cars, buffet cars, and club cars so operated by them, for on-premises consumption when carrying passengers;
- Persons operating sight-seeing boats, or special or charter boats, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer, either with or without meals, on such boats operated by them for on-premises consumption when carrying passengers;
- Persons operating as air carriers of passengers on regular schedules in foreign, interstate or intrastate commerce, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer for consumption by passengers in such airplanes anywhere in or over the Commonwealth while in transit and in designated rooms of establishments of such carriers at airports in the Commonwealth, § 4.1-129 notwithstanding. For purposes of supplying its airplanes, as well as any airplane of a licensed express carrier flying under the same brand, an air carrier licensee may appoint an authorized representative to load wine and beer onto the same airplanes and to transport and store wine and beer at or in close proximity to the airport where the wine and beer will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier. The air carrier licensee shall (i) designate for purposes of its license all locations where the inventory of wine and beer may be stored and from which the wine and beer will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier and (ii) maintain records of all wine and beer to be transported, stored, and delivered by its authorized representative;
- Hospitals, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in the rooms of patients for their on-premises consumption only in such rooms, provided the consent of the patient's attending physician is first obtained;
- Persons operating food concessions at coliseums, stadia, racetracks or similar facilities, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, during any event and immediately subsequent thereto, to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas and additional locations designated by the Board in such coliseums, stadia, racetracks or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license;
- Persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena or similar facility which (i) has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach, (ii) has capacity for more than 3,500 persons and is located in the Counties of Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Nelson, Pittsylvania, or Rockingham, or the Cities of Charlottesville, Danville, or Roanoke, or (iii) has capacity for more than 9,500 persons and is located in Henrico County. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during the performance of any event, in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license;
- Persons operating food concessions at exhibition or exposition halls, convention centers or similar facilities located in any county operating under the urban county executive form of government or any city which is completely surrounded by such county, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during the event, in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license. For purposes of this subsection, "exhibition or exposition hall" and "convention centers" mean facilities conducting private or public trade shows or exhibitions in an indoor facility having in excess of 100,000 square feet of floor space;
- Persons operating a concert and dinner-theater venue on property fronting Natural Bridge School Road in Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, and formerly operated as Natural Bridge High School, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer during events to patrons or attendees within all seating areas, exhibition areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, dining areas, and such additional locations designated by the Board in such facilities, for on-premises consumption. Persons licensed pursuant to this subdivision shall serve food, prepared on or off premises, whenever wine or beer is served; and
- Historic cinema houses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer, either with or without meals, during any showing of a motion picture to patrons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold, for on-premises consumption. The privileges of this license shall be limited to the premises of the historic cinema house regularly occupied and utilized as such.
- Retail off-premises wine and beer licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Gourmet shop licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption and, the provisions of § 4.1-308 notwithstanding, to give to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, (i) a sample of wine, not to exceed two ounces by volume or (ii) a sample of beer not to exceed four ounces by volume, for on-premises consumption. The licensee may also give samples of wine and beer in designated areas at events held by the licensee for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. Additionally, with the consent of the licensee, farm wineries, wineries, breweries, distillers, and wholesale licensees may participate in tastings held by licensees authorized to conduct tastings, including the pouring of samples to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold. Notwithstanding Board regulations relating to food sales, the licensee shall maintain each year an average monthly inventory and sales volume of at least $1,000 in products such as cheeses and gourmet food.
- Convenience grocery store licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Retail on-and-off premises wine and beer licenses to persons enumerated in subdivision 1 a, which shall accord all the privileges conferred by retail on-premises wine and beer licenses and in addition, shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption.
- Banquet licenses to persons in charge of banquets, and to duly organized nonprofit corporations or associations in charge of special events, which shall authorize the licensee to sell or give wine and beer in rooms or areas approved by the Board for the occasion for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas. Licensees who are nonprofit corporations or associations conducting fundraisers (i) shall also be authorized to sell wine, as part of any fundraising activity, in closed containers for off-premises consumption to persons to whom wine may be lawfully sold; (ii) shall be limited to no more than one such fundraiser per year; and (iii) if conducting such fundraiser through an online meeting platform, may ship such wine, in accordance with Board regulations, in closed containers to persons located within the Commonwealth. Except as provided in § 4.1-215 , a separate license shall be required for each day of each banquet or special event. For the purposes of this subdivision, when the location named in the original application for a license is outdoors, the application may also name an alternative location in the event of inclement weather. However, no such license shall be required of any hotel, restaurant, or club holding a retail wine and beer license.
- Gift shop licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer only within the interior premises of the gift shop in closed containers for off-premises consumption and, the provisions of § 4.1-308 notwithstanding, to give to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold (i) a sample of wine not to exceed two ounces by volume or (ii) a sample of beer not to exceed four ounces by volume for on-premises consumption. The licensee may also give samples of wine and beer in designated areas at events held by the licensee for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted.
- Gourmet brewing shop licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell to any person to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and to rent to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting, and bottling such wine or beer, for off-premises consumption in accordance with subdivision 6 of § 4.1-200 .
- Annual banquet licenses, to duly organized private nonprofit fraternal, patriotic or charitable membership organizations that are exempt from state and federal taxation and in charge of banquets conducted exclusively for its members and their guests, which shall authorize the licensee to serve wine and beer in rooms or areas approved by the Board for the occasion for on-premises consumption in such rooms or areas. Such license shall authorize the licensee to conduct no more than 12 banquets per calendar year. For the purposes of this subdivision, when the location named in the original application for a license is outdoors, the application may also name an alternative location in the event of inclement weather. However, no such license shall be required of any hotel, restaurant, or club holding a retail wine and beer license.
- Fulfillment warehouse licenses, which shall authorize associations as defined in § 13.1-313 with a place of business located in the Commonwealth to (i) receive deliveries and shipments of wine or beer owned by holders of wine or beer shipper's licenses, (ii) store such wine or beer on behalf of the owner, and (iii) pick, pack, and ship such wine or beer as directed by the owner, all in accordance with Board regulations. No wholesale wine or wholesale beer licensee, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, or any person under common control of such licensee, shall acquire or hold any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the business for which any fulfillment warehouse license is issued.
- Marketing portal licenses, which shall authorize agricultural cooperative associations organized under the provisions of the Agricultural Cooperative Association Act (§ 13.1-312 et seq.), with a place of business located in the Commonwealth, in accordance with Board regulations, to solicit and receive orders for wine or beer through the use of the Internet from persons in the Commonwealth to whom wine or beer may be lawfully sold, on behalf of holders of wine or beer shipper's licenses. Upon receipt of an order for wine or beer, the licensee shall forward it to a holder of a wine or beer shipper's license for fulfillment. Marketing portal licensees may also accept payment on behalf of the shipper.
- Gourmet oyster house licenses, to establishments located on the premises of a commercial marina and permitted by the Department of Health to serve oysters and other fresh seafood for consumption on the premises, where the licensee also offers to the public events for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about local oysters and other seafood products. Such license shall authorize the licensee to (i) give samples of or sell wine and beer in designated rooms and outdoor areas approved by the Board for consumption in such approved areas and (ii) sell wine and beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption. Samples of wine shall not exceed two ounces per person. Samples of beer shall not exceed four ounces per person. The Board shall establish a minimum monthly food sale requirement of oysters and other seafood for such license. Additionally, with the consent of the licensee, farm wineries, wineries, and breweries may participate in tastings held by licensees authorized to conduct tastings, including the pouring of samples to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold.
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Retail on-premises wine and beer licenses to:
- Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, persons granted a wine and beer license pursuant to this section may display within their licensed premises point-of-sale advertising materials that incorporate the use of any professional athlete or athletic team, provided that such advertising materials: (i) otherwise comply with the applicable regulations of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and (ii) do not depict any athlete consuming or about to consume alcohol prior to or while engaged in an athletic activity; do not depict an athlete consuming alcohol while the athlete is operating or about to operate a motor vehicle or other machinery; and do not imply that the alcoholic beverage so advertised enhances athletic prowess.
- Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, persons granted a wine and beer license pursuant to this section may deliver such wine or beer in closed containers for off-premises consumption to such person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the retailer's premises where such person has electronically ordered wine or beer in advance of the delivery or (ii) if the licensee holds a delivery permit issued pursuant to § 4.1-212.1 , to such other locations as may be permitted by Board regulation.
- Persons granted retail on-premises and on-and-off-premises wine and beer licenses pursuant to this section or subsection B of § 4.1-210 may conduct wine or beer tastings sponsored by the licensee for its customers for on-premises consumption. Such licensees may sell or give samples of wine and beer in designated areas at events held by the licensee for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. Additionally, with the consent of the licensee, farm wineries, wineries, and breweries may participate in tastings held by licensees authorized to conduct tastings, including the pouring of samples to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold. Samples of wine shall not exceed two ounces per person. Samples of beer shall not exceed four ounces per person. (Code 1950, § 4-25; 1952, c. 535; 1956, c. 520; 1962, c. 532; 1964, c. 210; 1970, cc. 627, 723; 1972, c. 679; 1973, c. 343; 1974, c. 267; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 134, 447, 496, 703; 1977, c. 439; 1978, c. 190; 1979, c. 258; 1980, cc. 526, 528; 1981, cc. 410, 412; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 200; 1987, c. 365; 1988, c. 893; 1989, c. 42; 1990, c. 707; 1991, c. 628; 1992, cc. 215, 350; 1993, cc. 190, 828, 866; 1994, c. 585; 1995, cc. 544, 570; 1996, cc. 443, 604; 1997, c. 489; 2001, c. 361; 2002, c. 204; 2003, cc. 329, 589, 1029, 1030; 2004, c. 487; 2005, cc. 652, 784; 2006, cc. 94, 153, 256, 826, 845; 2007, c. 813; 2008, cc. 179, 186, 192, 875; 2010, cc. 317, 561; 2011, c. 626; 2014, cc. 125, 612; 2015, c. 412; 2016, c. 654; 2017, cc. 76, 151, 152, 153, 154, 745; 2020, c. 1179; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 182.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-209 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, cc. 190 and 828 also amended former § 4-25, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, the 1993 amendments by cc. 190, 828 have been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 190, the last sentence in subdivision 1a was added. In accordance with c. 828, the phrase "or performances immediately subsequent thereto" was inserted after "exhibitions, events" in subdivision 1 f.
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, deleted portions of this section and relocated them to § 4.1-206.3 . At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment by Acts 2020, c. 1179 to this section will be given effect in § 4.1-206.3 , effective January 1, 2022.
Acts 2020, c. 1179, cl. 2 provides: "That if § 4.1-209 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, is amended by an act of assembly passed by the 2020 Session of the General Assembly and such act consolidates the gourmet shop license into a broader retail off-premises wine and beer license, the provisions of this act shall remain in effect and shall be relocated in the subdivision of the Code of Virginia in which such retail off-premises wine and beer license is relocated."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 2001 amendments. - The 2001 amendment by c. 361 added the subsection A designator to the introductory language, added the third sentence in subdivision A 6, and added subsection B.
The 2002 amendments. - The 2002 amendment by c. 204, in subdivision A 1 f, substituted "during any event and immediately subsequent thereto" for "during the performance of professional sporting exhibitions, events or performances immediately subsequent thereto."
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 329 substituted "sight-seeing boats, or special or charter boats" for "boats for which certificates as a sight-seeing carrier by boat, or a special or charter party by boat have been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to § 46.2-2099.20 " in subdivision A 1 c.
The 2003 amendment by c. 589 rewrote clause A 1 g (ii), which formerly read: "has seating for more than 3,500 persons and is located in any county with a population between 65,000 and 70,000."
The 2003 amendments by cc. 1029 and 1030 are identical, and in subdivision A 2, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence and added the last sentence; in subdivision A 5, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence and added the last sentence; and in subdivision A 7, deleted "or ship" following "deliver" in the first sentence and added the last sentence.
The 2004 amendments. - The 2004 amendment by c. 487 added subdivision A 9.
The 2005 amendments. - The 2005 amendment by c. 652 added clause (iii) to the end of the first sentence in subdivision A 1 g; and made related changes.
The 2005 amendment by c. 784, in subdivision A 6, inserted "Except as provided in § 4.1-215 " at the beginning of the second sentence, and substituted "subdivision" for "subsection" in the third sentence.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 94, in subdivision A 1 a, inserted the clause (i) designation and added clause (ii).
The 2006 amendment by c. 153, effective March 23, 2006, added the last sentence in subdivision A 1 a.
The 2006 amendment by c. 256 inserted "racetracks" in two places in the first sentence in subdivision A 1 f; in subdivision A 3, substituted "two ounces" for "one ounce" in clause (i), and substituted "four ounces" for "two ounces" in clause (ii); and added subsection C.
The 2006 amendment by c. 826 substituted "two ounces" for "one ounce" in clause (i) and "four ounces" for "two ounces" in clause (ii) of subdivision A 3.
The 2006 amendment by c. 845 deleted "and to deliver the same to purchasers in accordance with Board regulations. All such deliveries of wine or beer shall be performed by the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder or employee of the licensee" at the end of subdivisions 2, 5 and 7.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 813, in subdivision A 1 g, substituted "Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach" for "any county with a population between 210,000 and 216,000 or in any city with a population between 392,000 and 394,000" in clause (i), substituted "the Counties of Albemarle, Augusta, Pittsylvania, or Rockingham, or the Cities of Charlottesville or Danville" for "any county with a population between 65,000 and 70,000 or in a city with a population between 40,000 and 47,000" in clause (ii) and substituted "Henrico County" for "any county operated under the county manager form of government" in clause (iii).
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 179, effective March 3, 2008, added the second and third sentences of subdivision A 3.
The 2008 amendment by c. 186 inserted "or Roanoke" in subdivision A 1 g and made related changes.
The 2008 amendments by cc. 192 and 875 are nearly identical, and added the last sentence of subdivision A 3. Subdivision A 3 has been set out in the form above at the direction of the Virginia Code Commission.
The 2010 amendments. - The 2010 amendments by cc. 317 and 561 are identical, and inserted subdivisions A 10 and A 11.
The 2011 amendments. - The 2011 amendment by c. 626 added subdivision A 12.
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendment by c. 125, in subdivision A 1 d, added the last two sentences.
The 2014 amendment by c. 612, in subdivision A 7, deleted "unchilled" following "wine and beer" and added the language beginning "and, the provisions of § 4.1-308 " to the end of the subdivision.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 412 added the last two sentences in subdivision A 1 a and inserted "Nelson" in subdivision A 1 g.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendment by c. 654, added subdivision A 1 i and made related changes.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 76 and 153 are identical, and inserted "or in single original metal cans" in subdivisions A 1 f through A 1 h.
The 2017 amendment by c. 151 inserted the second sentence in subdivision A 6.
The 2017 amendment by c. 152 added subdivision A 1 j and made related changes.
The 2017 amendment by c. 154 inserted subsection C and redesignated former subsection C as subsection D.
The 2017 amendment by c. 745, in subdivision A 1 g, inserted "Alleghany" following "Counties of Albemarle" in clause (ii).
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 1179 inserted "distillers" in subdivision A 3 in the penultimate sentence.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendment by Sp. Sess. I, c. 182, effective July 1, 2021, added clause (iii) in subdivision A 6, and made related changes.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 2C M.J. Aviation, § 1.
CASE NOTES
Constitutionality. - Virginia's ban on the direct shipment of wine to Virginia consumers from out-of-state entities, while Virginia not only permits, but encourages, direct shipment to consumers by in-state wineries and farm wineries, violates the dormant commerce clause and is unconstitutional. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11118 (E.D. Va. 2001), modified and approved, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
System whereby Virginia wineries, farm wineries, breweries, and off-premises licensees could directly ship beer and wine to Virginia and out-of-state consumers, where legal, but out-of-state vendors could neither obtain a Virginia license nor directly ship beer or wine to Virginia consumers, was the very definition of a facially discriminatory law; statutes were unconstitutional forms of discrimination in their in-state preferences for Virginia wine and beer. Bolick v. Roberts, 199 F. Supp. 2d 397, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6376 (E.D. Va. 2002), vacated and remanded sub nom. Bolick v. Danielson, 330 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2003) (and partially rendered moot by 2003 legislation).
§ 4.1-209. (Effective January 1, 2022) Wine and beer license privileges; advertising; tastings.
- Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, persons granted a wine and beer license pursuant to § 4.1-206.3 may display within their licensed premises point-of-sale advertising materials that incorporate the use of any professional athlete or athletic team, provided that such advertising materials (i) otherwise comply with the applicable regulations of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and (ii) do not depict any athlete consuming or about to consume alcohol prior to or while engaged in an athletic activity, do not depict an athlete consuming alcohol while the athlete is operating or about to operate a motor vehicle or other machinery, and do not imply that the alcoholic beverage so advertised enhances athletic prowess.
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Persons granted retail on-and-off-premises wine and beer licenses pursuant to the following provisions may conduct wine or beer tastings sponsored by the licensee for its customers for on-premises consumption:
- Subdivision A 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 14 of § 4.1-206.3 ;
- Subdivision B 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of § 4.1-206.3 ;
- Subdivision C 1 or 2 of § 4.1-206.3;
- Subdivision D 1 a, b, or d or 2 a of § 4.1-206.3; or
- Subdivision F 4 or 5 of § 4.1-206.3. Such licensees may sell or give samples of wine and beer in designated areas at events held by the licensee for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about the alcoholic beverages being tasted. Additionally, with the consent of the licensee, farm wineries, wineries, and breweries may participate in tastings held by licensees authorized to conduct tastings, including the pouring of samples to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold. No single sample shall exceed four ounces of beer or two ounces of wine, and no more than 12 ounces of beer or five ounces of wine shall be given or sold to any person per day. (Code 1950, § 4-25; 1952, c. 535; 1956, c. 520; 1962, c. 532; 1964, c. 210; 1970, cc. 627, 723; 1972, c. 679; 1973, c. 343; 1974, c. 267; 1975, c. 408; 1976, cc. 134, 447, 496, 703; 1977, c. 439; 1978, c. 190; 1979, c. 258; 1980, cc. 526, 528; 1981, cc. 410, 412; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 200; 1987, c. 365; 1988, c. 893; 1989, c. 42; 1990, c. 707; 1991, c. 628; 1992, cc. 215, 350; 1993, cc. 190, 828, 866; 1994, c. 585; 1995, cc. 544, 570; 1996, cc. 443, 604; 1997, c. 489; 2001, c. 361; 2002, c. 204; 2003, cc. 329, 589, 1029, 1030; 2004, c. 487; 2005, cc. 652, 784; 2006, cc. 94, 153, 256, 826, 845; 2007, c. 813; 2008, cc. 179, 186, 192, 875; 2010, cc. 317, 561; 2011, c. 626; 2014, cc. 125, 612; 2015, c. 412; 2016, c. 654; 2017, cc. 76, 151, 152, 153, 154, 745; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114, 1179.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-209 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, deleted portions of this section and relocated them to § 4.1-206.3 . At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendment by Acts 2020, c. 1179 to this section will be given effect in § 4.1-206.3 , effective January 1, 2022.
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, c. 1179, cl. 2 provides: "That if § 4.1-209 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, is amended by an act of assembly passed by the 2020 Session of the General Assembly and such act consolidates the gourmet shop license into a broader retail off-premises wine and beer license, the provisions of this act shall remain in effect and shall be relocated in the subdivision of the Code of Virginia in which such retail off-premises wine and beer license is relocated."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and deleted former subsections A and C and redesignated accordingly; in subsection A, substituted " § 4.1-206.3 " for "this section" and in subsection B in the first sentence, deleted "on-premises and" following "Persons granted retail" and substituted "the following provisions" for "this section or subsection B of § 4.1-210 ," inserted subdivisions 1 through 5, and rewrote the last two sentences as the present last sentence which former sentences read: "Samples of wine shall not exceed two ounces per person. Samples of beer shall not exceed four ounces per person."
§ 4.1-209.1. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Direct shipment of wine and beer; shipper's license.
- Holders of wine shippers' licenses and beer shippers' licenses issued pursuant to this section may sell and ship not more than two cases of wine per month nor more than two cases of beer per month to any person in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold. All such sales and shipments shall be for personal consumption only and not for resale. A case of wine shall mean any combination of packages containing not more than nine liters of wine. A case of beer shall mean any combination of packages containing not more than 288 ounces of beer. Any winery or farm winery located within or outside the Commonwealth may apply to the Board for issuance of a wine shipper's license that shall authorize the shipment of brands of wine and farm wine identified in such application. Any brewery located within or outside the Commonwealth may apply to the Board for issuance of a beer shipper's license that shall authorize the shipment of brands of beer identified in such application. Any person located within or outside the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell wine or beer at retail in their state of domicile and who is not a winery, farm winery, or brewery may nevertheless apply for a wine or beer shipper's license, or both, if such person satisfies the requirements of this section. Any brewery, winery, or farm winery that applies for a shipper's license or authorizes any other person, other than a retail off-premises licensee, to apply for a license to ship such brewery's, winery's or farm winery's brands of wine or beer shall notify any wholesale licensees that have been authorized to distribute such brands that an application has been filed for a shipper's license. The notice shall be in writing and in a form prescribed by the Board. The Board may adopt such regulations as it reasonably deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including regulations that permit the holder of a shipper's license to amend the same by, among other things, adding or deleting any brands of wine, farm wine, or beer identified in such shipper's license.
- Any applicant for a wine or beer shipper's license that does not own or have the right to control the distribution of the brands of wine, farm wine, or beer identified in such person's application may be issued a shipper's license for wine or beer or both, if the applicant has obtained and filed with its application for a shipper's license, and with any subsequent application for renewal thereof, the written consent of either (i) the winery, farm winery, or brewery whose brands of wine, farm wine, or beer are identified therein or (ii) any wholesale distributor authorized to distribute the wine or beer produced by the winery, farm winery or brewery. Any winery, farm winery, or brewery, or its wholesale distributor, that has provided written authorization to a shipper licensed pursuant to this section to sell and ship its brand or brands of wine, farm wine, or beer shall not be restricted by any provision of this section from withdrawing such authorization at any time. If such authorization is withdrawn, the winery, farm winery, or brewery shall promptly notify such shipper licensee and the Board in writing of its decision to withdraw from such shipper licensee the authority to sell and ship any of its brands, whereupon such shipper licensee shall promptly file with the Board an amendment to its license eliminating any such withdrawn brand or brands from the shipper's license.
- The direct shipment of beer and wine by holders of licenses issued pursuant to this section shall be by approved common carrier only. The Board shall develop regulations pursuant to which common carriers may apply for approval to provide common carriage of wine or beer, or both, shipped by holders of licenses issued pursuant to this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (i) the recipient to demonstrate, upon delivery, that he is at least 21 years of age; (ii) the recipient to sign an electronic or paper form or other acknowledgement of receipt as approved by the Board; and (iii) the Board-approved common carrier to submit to the Board such information as the Board may prescribe. The Board-approved common carrier shall refuse delivery when the proposed recipient appears to be under the age of 21 years and refuses to present valid identification. All licensees shipping wine or beer pursuant to this section shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer shipped within or into the Commonwealth, in a conspicuous location stating: "CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON AGED 21 YEARS OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY." Any delivery of alcoholic beverages to a minor by a common carrier shall constitute a violation by the common carrier. The common carrier and the shipper licensee shall be liable only for their independent acts.
- For purposes of §§ 4.1-234 and 4.1-236 and Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, each shipment of wine or beer by a wine shipper licensee or a beer shipper licensee shall constitute a sale in Virginia. The licensee shall collect the taxes due to the Commonwealth and remit any excise taxes monthly to the Authority and any sales taxes to the Department of Taxation.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-203 , the holder of a wine shipper license or beer shipper license may solicit and receive applications for subscription to a wine-of-the-month or beer-of-the-month club at in-state or out-of-state locations for which a license for on-premises consumption has been issued, other than the place where the licensee carries on the business for which the license is granted. For the purposes of this subsection, "wine-of-the-month club" or "beer-of-the-month club" shall mean an agreement between an in-state or out-of-state holder of a wine shipper license or beer shipper license and a consumer in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold that the shipper will sell and ship to the consumer and the consumer will purchase a lawful amount of wine or beer each month for an agreed term of months.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-203 , a wine or beer shipper licensee may ship wine or beer as authorized by this section through the use of the services of an approved fulfillment warehouse. For the purposes of this section, a "fulfillment warehouse" means a business operating a warehouse and providing storage, packaging, and shipping services to wineries or breweries. The Board shall develop regulations pursuant to which fulfillment warehouses may apply for approval to provide storage, packaging, and shipping services to holders of licenses issued pursuant to this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (i) the fulfillment warehouse to demonstrate that it is appropriately licensed for the services to be provided by the state in which its place of business is located, (ii) the Board-approved fulfillment warehouse to maintain such records and to submit to the Board such information as the Board may prescribe, and (iii) the fulfillment warehouse and each wine or beer shipper licensed under this section to whom services are provided to enter into a contract designating the fulfillment warehouse as the agent of the shipper for purposes of complying with the provisions of this section.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-203 , a wine or beer shipper licensee may sell wine or beer as authorized by this section through the use of the services of an approved marketing portal. For the purposes of this section, a "marketing portal" means a business organized as an agricultural cooperative association under the laws of a state, soliciting and receiving orders for wine or beer and accepting and processing payment of such orders as the agent of a licensed wine or beer shipper. The Board shall develop regulations pursuant to which marketing portals may apply for approval to provide marketing services to holders of licenses issued pursuant to this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (i) the marketing portal to demonstrate that it is appropriately organized as an agricultural cooperative association and licensed for the services to be provided by the state in which its place of business is located, (ii) the Board-approved marketing portal to maintain such records and to submit to the Board such information as the Board may prescribe, and (iii) the marketing portal and each wine or beer shipper licensed under this section to whom services are provided to enter into a contract designating the marketing portal as the agent of the shipper for purposes of complying with the provisions of this section. (2007, cc. 99, 799; 2009, c. 292; 2010, cc. 317, 561; 2015, cc. 38, 730.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-209.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
The 2009 amendments. - The 2009 amendment by c. 292 added subsection E.
The 2010 amendments. - The 2010 amendments by cc. 317 and 561 are identical, and added subsections F and G.
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and substituted "Authority" for "Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control" in subsection D.
§ 4.1-209.1. (Effective January 1, 2022) Direct shipment of wine and beer; shipper's license.
- Holders of wine and beer shipper's licenses issued pursuant to subdivision F 1 of § 4.1-206.3 may sell and ship not more than two cases of wine per month nor more than two cases of beer per month to any person in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold. All such sales and shipments shall be for personal consumption only and not for resale. A case of wine shall mean any combination of packages containing not more than nine liters of wine. A case of beer shall mean any combination of packages containing not more than 288 ounces of beer. Any winery or farm winery located within or outside the Commonwealth may apply to the Board for issuance of a wine and beer shipper's license that shall authorize the shipment of brands of wine and farm wine identified in such application. Any brewery located within or outside the Commonwealth may apply to the Board for issuance of a wine and beer shipper's license that shall authorize the shipment of brands of beer identified in such application. Any person located within or outside the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell wine or beer at retail in their state of domicile and who is not a winery, farm winery, or brewery may nevertheless apply for a wine and beer shipper's license if such person satisfies the requirements of this section. Any brewery, winery, or farm winery that applies for a shipper's license or authorizes any other person, other than a retail off-premises licensee, to apply for a license to ship such brewery's, winery's or farm winery's brands of wine or beer shall notify any wholesale licensees that have been authorized to distribute such brands that an application has been filed for a shipper's license. The notice shall be in writing and in a form prescribed by the Board. The Board may adopt such regulations as it reasonably deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including regulations that permit the holder of a shipper's license to amend the same by, among other things, adding or deleting any brands of wine, farm wine, or beer identified in such shipper's license.
- Any applicant for a wine and beer shipper's license that does not own or have the right to control the distribution of the brands of wine, farm wine, or beer identified in such person's application may be issued a shipper's license for wine and beer, if the applicant has obtained and filed with its application for a shipper's license, and with any subsequent application for renewal thereof, the written consent of either (i) the winery, farm winery, or brewery whose brands of wine, farm wine, or beer are identified therein or (ii) any wholesale distributor authorized to distribute the wine or beer produced by the winery, farm winery or brewery. Any winery, farm winery, or brewery, or its wholesale distributor, that has provided written authorization to a shipper licensed pursuant to this section to sell and ship its brand or brands of wine, farm wine, or beer shall not be restricted by any provision of this section from withdrawing such authorization at any time. If such authorization is withdrawn, the winery, farm winery, or brewery shall promptly notify such shipper licensee and the Board in writing of its decision to withdraw from such shipper licensee the authority to sell and ship any of its brands, whereupon such shipper licensee shall promptly file with the Board an amendment to its license eliminating any such withdrawn brand or brands from the shipper's license.
- The direct shipment of beer and wine by holders of licenses issued pursuant to subdivision F 1 of § 4.1-206.3 shall be by approved common carrier only. The Board shall develop regulations pursuant to which common carriers may apply for approval to provide common carriage of wine or beer, shipped by holders of licenses issued pursuant to subdivision F 1 of § 4.1-206.3 . Such regulations shall include provisions that require (i) the recipient to demonstrate, upon delivery, that he is at least 21 years of age; (ii) the recipient to sign an electronic or paper form or other acknowledgement of receipt as approved by the Board; and (iii) the Board-approved common carrier to submit to the Board such information as the Board may prescribe. The Board-approved common carrier shall refuse delivery when the proposed recipient appears to be under the age of 21 years and refuses to present valid identification. All licensees shipping wine or beer pursuant to this section shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer shipped within or into the Commonwealth, in a conspicuous location stating: "CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON AGED 21 YEARS OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY." Any delivery of alcoholic beverages to a minor by a common carrier shall constitute a violation by the common carrier. The common carrier and the shipper licensee shall be liable only for their independent acts.
- For purposes of §§ 4.1-234 and 4.1-236 and Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, each shipment of wine or beer by a wine and beer shipper licensee shall constitute a sale in Virginia. The licensee shall collect the taxes due to the Commonwealth and remit any excise taxes monthly to the Authority and any sales taxes to the Department of Taxation.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-203 , the holder of a wine and beer shipper license may solicit and receive applications for subscription to a wine-of-the-month or beer-of-the-month club at in-state or out-of-state locations for which a license for on-premises consumption has been issued, other than the place where the licensee carries on the business for which the license is granted. For the purposes of this subsection, "wine-of-the-month club" or "beer-of-the-month club" shall mean an agreement between an in-state or out-of-state holder of a wine and beer shipper license and a consumer in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold that the shipper will sell and ship to the consumer and the consumer will purchase a lawful amount of wine or beer each month for an agreed term of months.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-203 , a wine and beer shipper licensee may ship wine or beer as authorized by this section through the use of the services of an approved fulfillment warehouse. For the purposes of this section, a "fulfillment warehouse" means a business operating a warehouse and providing storage, packaging, and shipping services to wineries or breweries. The Board shall develop regulations pursuant to which fulfillment warehouses may apply for approval to provide storage, packaging, and shipping services to holders of licenses issued pursuant to this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (i) the fulfillment warehouse to demonstrate that it is appropriately licensed for the services to be provided by the state in which its place of business is located, (ii) the Board-approved fulfillment warehouse to maintain such records and to submit to the Board such information as the Board may prescribe, and (iii) the fulfillment warehouse and each wine and beer shipper licensed under subdivision F 1 of § 4.1-206.3 to whom services are provided to enter into a contract designating the fulfillment warehouse as the agent of the shipper for purposes of complying with the provisions of this section.
- Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-203 , a wine and beer shipper licensee may sell wine or beer as authorized by this section through the use of the services of an approved marketing portal. For the purposes of this section, a "marketing portal" means a business organized as an agricultural cooperative association under the laws of a state, soliciting and receiving orders for wine or beer and accepting and processing payment of such orders as the agent of a licensed wine and beer shipper. The Board shall develop regulations pursuant to which marketing portals may apply for approval to provide marketing services to holders of licenses issued pursuant to subdivision F 1 of § 4.1-206.3 . Such regulations shall include provisions that require (i) the marketing portal to demonstrate that it is appropriately organized as an agricultural cooperative association and licensed for the services to be provided by the state in which its place of business is located, (ii) the Board-approved marketing portal to maintain such records and to submit to the Board such information as the Board may prescribe, and (iii) the marketing portal and each wine and beer shipper licensed under this section to whom services are provided to enter into a contract designating the marketing portal as the agent of the shipper for purposes of complying with the provisions of this section. (2007, cc. 99, 799; 2009, c. 292; 2010, cc. 317, 561; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-209.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subsection A in the first sentence, substituted "wine and beer shipper's licenses" for "wine shippers' licenses and beer shippers' licenses" and "subdivision F 1 of § 4.1-206.3 " for "this section"; and made similar changes throughout the section.
§ 4.1-210. (Repealed effective January 1, 2022) Mixed beverages licenses.
-
Subject to the provisions of §
4.1-124
, the Board may grant the following licenses relating to mixed beverages:
- Mixed beverage restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in dining areas and other designated areas of such restaurant or off-premises consumption. Such license may be granted only to persons (i) who operate a restaurant and (ii) whose gross receipts from the sale of food cooked or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after issuance of such license, amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. For the purposes of this subdivision, other designated areas shall include outdoor dining areas, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises, which outdoor dining areas may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare, provided such areas are under the control of the licensee and approved by the Board. Such noncontiguous designated areas shall not be approved for any retail license issued pursuant to subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201 . If the restaurant is located on the premises of a hotel or motel with not less than four permanent bedrooms where food and beverage service is customarily provided by the restaurant in designated areas, bedrooms and other private rooms of such hotel or motel, such licensee may (a) sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in such designated areas, bedrooms and other private rooms or off-premises consumption and (b) sell spirits packaged in original closed containers purchased from the Board for on-premises consumption to registered guests and at scheduled functions of such hotel or motel only in such bedrooms or private rooms. However, with regard to a hotel classified as a resort complex, the Board may authorize the sale and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages in all areas within the resort complex deemed appropriate by the Board. Nothing herein shall prohibit any person from keeping and consuming his own lawfully acquired spirits in bedrooms or private rooms. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a private, nonprofit or profit club exclusively for its members and their guests, or members of another private, nonprofit or profit club in another city with which it has an agreement for reciprocal dining privileges, such license shall also authorize the licensees to (a) sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises or off-premises consumption and (b) sell spirits that are packaged in original closed containers with a maximum capacity of two fluid ounces or 50 milliliters and purchased from the Board for on-premises consumption. Where such club prepares no food in its restaurant but purchases its food requirements from a restaurant licensed by the Board and located on another portion of the premises of the same hotel or motel building, this fact shall not prohibit the granting of a license by the Board to such club qualifying in all other respects. The club's gross receipts from the sale of nonalcoholic beverages consumed on the premises and food resold to its members and guests and consumed on the premises shall amount to at least 45 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food. The food sales made by a restaurant to such a club shall be excluded in any consideration of the qualifications of such restaurant for a license from the Board. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a municipal golf course, the Board shall recognize the seasonal nature of the business and waive any applicable monthly food sales requirements for those months when weather conditions may reduce patronage of the golf course, provided that prepared food, including meals, is available to patrons during the same months. The gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises, after the issuance of such license, shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food on an annualized basis. If the restaurant is located on the premises of and operated by a culinary lodging resort, such license shall authorize the licensee to (1) sell alcoholic beverages, without regard to the amount of gross receipts from the sale of food prepared and consumed on the premises, for off-premises consumption or for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board and other designated areas of the resort, including outdoor areas under the control of the licensee, and (2) permit the possession and consumption of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages by persons to whom overnight lodging is being provided in bedrooms and private guest rooms.
- Mixed beverage caterer's licenses, which may be granted only to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings or at special events, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service and nonalcoholic beverages served at gatherings and events referred to in this subdivision shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food.
- Mixed beverage limited caterer's licenses, which may be granted only to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at private gatherings or at special events, not to exceed 12 gatherings or events per year, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service and nonalcoholic beverages served at gatherings and events referred to in this subdivision shall amount to at least 45 percent of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food.
- Mixed beverage special events licenses, to a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association in charge of a special event, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board on the premises of the place designated in the license. A separate license shall be required for each day of each special event.
- Annual mixed beverage special events licenses to (i) a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association operating either a performing arts facility or an art education and exhibition facility; (ii) a nonprofit corporation or association chartered by Congress for the preservation of sites, buildings, and objects significant in American history and culture; (iii) persons operating an agricultural event and entertainment park or similar facility that has a minimum of 50,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and equine and other livestock show areas, which includes barns, pavilions, or other structures equipped with roofs, exterior walls, and open or closed-door access; or (iv) a locality for special events conducted on the premises of a museum for historic interpretation that is owned and operated by the locality. The operation in all cases shall be upon premises owned by such licensee or occupied under a bona fide lease the original term of which was for more than one year's duration. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages during scheduled events and performances for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by train, boat or airplane, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier, and in designated rooms of establishments of air carriers at airports in the Commonwealth. For purposes of supplying its airplanes, as well as any airplanes of a licensed express carrier flying under the same brand, an air carrier licensee may appoint an authorized representative to load distilled spirits onto the same airplanes and to transport and store distilled spirits at or in close proximity to the airport where the distilled spirits will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier. The air carrier licensee shall (i) designate for purposes of its license all locations where the inventory of distilled spirits may be stored and from which the distilled spirits will be delivered onto airplanes of the air carrier and any such licensed express carrier and (ii) maintain records of all distilled spirits to be transported, stored, and delivered by its authorized representative.
- Mixed beverage club events licenses, which shall authorize a club holding a beer or wine and beer club license to sell and serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption by club members and their guests in areas approved by the Board on the club premises. A separate license shall be required for each day of each club event. No more than 12 such licenses shall be granted to a club in any calendar year.
- Annual mixed beverage amphitheater licenses to persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena or similar facility that has seating for more than 20,000 persons and is located in Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages during the performance of any event, in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption.
- Annual mixed beverage amphitheater licenses to persons operating food concessions at any outdoor performing arts amphitheater, arena or similar facility that has seating for more than 5,000 persons and is located in the City of Alexandria or the City of Portsmouth. Such license shall authorize the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages during the performance of any event, in paper, plastic or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, to patrons within all seating areas, concourses, walkways, concession areas, or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption.
- Annual mixed beverage motor sports facility license to persons operating food concessions at any outdoor motor sports road racing club facility, of which the track surface is 3.27 miles in length, on 1,200 acres of rural property bordering the Dan River, which shall authorize the licensee to sell mixed beverages, in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, during scheduled events, as well as events or performances immediately subsequent thereto, to patrons in all dining facilities, seating areas, viewing areas, walkways, concession areas or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption. Upon authorization of the licensee, any person may keep and consume his own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages on the premises in all areas and locations covered by the license.
- Annual mixed beverage banquet licenses to duly organized private nonprofit fraternal, patriotic or charitable membership organizations that are exempt from state and federal taxation and in charge of banquets conducted exclusively for its members and their guests, which shall authorize the licensee to serve mixed beverages for on-premises consumption in areas approved by the Board on the premises of the place designated in the license. Such license shall authorize the licensee to conduct no more than 12 banquets per calendar year.
- Limited mixed beverage restaurant licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve dessert wines as defined by Board regulation and no more than six varieties of liqueurs, which liqueurs shall be combined with coffee or other nonalcoholic beverages, for on-premises consumption in dining areas of the restaurant or off-premises consumption. Such license may be granted only to persons who operate a restaurant and in no event shall the sale of such wine or liqueur-based drinks, together with the sale of any other alcoholic beverages, exceed 10 percent of the total annual gross sales of all food and alcoholic beverages.
- Annual mixed beverage motor sports facility licenses to persons operating concessions at an outdoor motor sports facility that hosts a NASCAR national touring race, which shall authorize the licensee to sell mixed beverages, in paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers or in single original metal cans, during scheduled events, as well as events or performances immediately subsequent thereto, to patrons in all dining facilities, seating areas, viewing areas, walkways, concession areas or similar facilities, for on-premises consumption.
- Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license to corporations or associations operating a performing arts facility, provided the performing arts facility (i) is owned by a governmental entity; (ii) is occupied by a for-profit entity under a bona fide lease, the original term of which was for more than one year's duration; and (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license to persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the City of Norfolk or the City of Richmond, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has a capacity in excess of 1,400 patrons; (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards; and (iv) has monthly gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises that meet or exceed the monthly minimum established by Board regulations for mixed beverage restaurants. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license to persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the City of Waynesboro, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 550 patrons; and (iii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or private or special events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license to persons operating food concessions at any performing arts facility located in the arts and cultural district of the City of Harrisonburg, provided that the performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than five years; (ii) has been rehabilitated in accordance with historic preservation standards; (iii) has monthly gross receipts from the sale of food cooked, or prepared, and consumed on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages served on the premises that meet or exceed the monthly minimum established by Board regulations for mixed beverage restaurants; and (iv) has a total capacity in excess of 900 patrons. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or private or special events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- A combined mixed beverage restaurant and caterer's license, which may be granted to any restaurant, culinary lodging resort, or hotel that meets the qualifications for both a mixed beverage restaurant pursuant to subdivision A 1 and mixed beverage caterer pursuant to subdivision A 2 for the same business location, and which license shall authorize the licensee to operate as both a mixed beverage restaurant and mixed beverage caterer at the same business premises designated in the license, with a common alcoholic beverage inventory for purposes of the restaurant and catering operations. Such licensee shall meet the separate food qualifications established for the mixed beverage restaurant license pursuant to subdivision A 1 and mixed beverage caterer's license pursuant to subdivision A 2.
- Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license to persons operating food concessions at any multipurpose theater located in the historical district of the Town of Bridgewater, provided that the theater (i) is owned and operated by a governmental entity and (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 100 patrons. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- Annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license to persons operating food concessions at any corporate and performing arts facility located in Fairfax County, provided that the corporate and performing arts facility (i) is occupied under a bona fide long-term lease, management, or concession agreement, the original term of which was more than one year and (ii) has a total capacity in excess of 1,400 patrons. Such license shall authorize the sale, on the dates of performances or events, of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in areas upon the licensed premises approved by the Board.
- The granting of any license under subdivision A 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 shall automatically include a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption. The licensee shall pay the state and local taxes required by §§ 4.1-231 and 4.1-233 . (1968, c. 7, §§ 4-98.2, 4-98.3; 1970, cc. 119, 627; 1972, cc. 679, 691; 1974, c. 460; 1975, c. 483; 1976, cc. 700, 768; 1978, c. 153; 1980, c. 490; 1981, c. 269; 1982, c. 119; 1986, cc. 70, 374; 1987, c. 107; 1990, c. 402; 1991, c. 690; 1992, cc. 162, 215; 1993, cc. 190, 866, 910; 1998, c. 535; 2000, cc. 1036, 1047, 1051; 2001, cc. 461, 845; 2004, c. 487; 2006, c. 731; 2007, cc. 107, 126, 295, 813; 2008, c. 172; 2009, c. 322; 2012, cc. 203, 237; 2013, c. 479; 2014, cc. 125, 231, 495, 633, 638; 2015, cc. 404, 412; 2016, cc. 20, 28, 536; 2017, cc. 76, 153, 158, 585; 2018, c. 179; 2019, c. 174; 2020, cc. 15, 32, 400, 1009; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section repealed effective January 1, 2022. - This section is repealed effective January 1, 2022, by Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 2.
Cross references. - For current provisions as to mixed beverage restaurant, caterer's licenses, annual mixed beverage special events licenses, and other retail licenses, see § 4.1-206.3 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, cc. 190 and 910 amended former § 4-98.2, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, the 1993 amendments by cc. 190 and 910 have been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 190, the present next-to-last sentence of the second paragraph of subdivision A 1 was added. In accordance with c. 910, "four permanent bedrooms" was substituted for "forty permanent bedrooms" in the second paragraph of subdivision A 1.
Acts 2001, cc. 88 and 96 repealed Acts 2000, cc. 1036 and 1051, cl. 2, which had provided that the provisions of cc. 1036 and 1051 would expire on July 1, 2002. Therefore, these 2000 amendments will not expire.
Acts 2008, c. 172, cl. 2 provides: "That the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act to be effective within 280 days of its enactment."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, effective January 1, 2022, repealed various sections in this chapter and recodified them. At the direction of the Virginia Code Commission, the amendments by Acts 2020, cc. 15, 32, 400 and 1009 have also been given effect in § 4.1-206.3 , effective January 1, 2022.
Acts 2020, cc. 15 and 32, cl. 2 provides: "That if § 4.1-210 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, is repealed by an act of assembly passed by the 2020 Session of the General Assembly and such act reorganizes the licenses set forth in the former § 4.1-210 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, by relocating such licenses in various sections of the Code of Virginia, the annual mixed beverage performing arts facility license created by this act shall remain in effect and shall be relocated in the subdivision of the Code of Virginia in which other annual mixed beverage performing arts facility licenses are relocated."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
The 1998 amendment added subdivision A 6; and in subsection B, deleted "and" following "subdivisions 1" and inserted "subdivisions 1, 5 and 6."
The 2000 amendments. - The 2000 amendments by cc. 1036 and 1051 are virtually identical, and added subdivision A 8, and inserted reference to the new subdivision in subsection B. For expiration of this amendment, see Editor's note.
The 2000 amendment by c. 1047 added subdivision A 7, and inserted reference to the new subdivision in subsection B.
The 2001 amendments. - The 2001 amendment by c. 461 added subdivision A 9, and substituted "7, 8, or 9" for "7, or 8" in subsection B. The amendment by c. 845, effective April 5, 2001, also made the same changes as c. 461.
The 2004 amendments. - The 2004 amendment by c. 487 added subdivision A 10; in the first sentence of subsection B, deleted "or" preceding "9" and inserted "or 10"; and made minor stylistic changes.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 731, in subdivision A 1, in the first paragraph, deleted "on the premises" following "designated areas" and added the last sentence.
The 2007 amendments. - The 2007 amendment by c. 107 added subdivision A 3; redesignated former subdivisions A 3 through A 10 as present subdivisions A 4 through A 11; and substituted "subdivision 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11" for "subdivision 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10" in the first sentence of subsection B.
The 2007 amendment by c. 126 inserted "which outdoor dining areas may have more than one means of ingress and egress to an adjacent public thoroughfare" in the last sentence of the first paragraph in subdivision A 1.
The 2007 amendment by c. 295 added subdivision A 11 [now subdivision A 12].
The 2007 amendment by c. 813, substituted "Prince William County or the City of Virginia Beach" for "any county with a population between 210,000 and 216,000 or in any city with a population between 392,000 and 394,000" in subdivision A 7 [now subdivision A 8]; substituted "the City of Alexandria or the City of Portsmouth" for "any city with a population between 103,900 and 104,500" in subdivision A 8 [now subdivision A 9].
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 172 inserted "dessert wines as defined by Board regulation and" in the first sentence and "wine or" in the second sentence of subdivision A 12.
The 2009 amendments. - The 2009 amendment by c. 322, in subdivision A 5, added clause (iii) and made a related change, and in the second sentence, substituted "all cases" for "either case."
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendments by cc. 203 and 237 are identical, and added subdivision A 13; and substituted "subdivision 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 13" for "subdivision 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11" in subsection B.
The 2013 amendments. - The 2013 amendment by c. 479 added subdivision A 14, inserted "14" to the list of subdivisions in subsection B, and made a related change.
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendment by c. 125, in subdivision A 6, added the last two sentences.
The 2014 amendments by cc. 231 and 638 are identical, and in subdivision A 5 substituted "persons operating an agricultural" for "a duly organized nonprofit corporation that has been granted an exemption from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that owns any rural," "50,000" for "60,000," and inserted "which includes barns, pavilions, or other structures equipped with roofs, exterior walls, and open or closed-door access" in clause (iii), and in the last sentence, substituted "licensee to sell" for "sale, on the dates of performance or events in furtherance of the purposes of the nonprofit corporation or association, of," and inserted "during scheduled events and performances," and made a minor stylistic change.
The 2014 amendment by c. 495, in clause (i) of subdivision A 5, inserted "either" and "or an art education and exhibition facility."
The 2014 amendment by c. 633, in subdivision A 12, inserted "together with the sale of any other alcoholic beverages" and "of all food and alcoholic beverages" in the last sentence; and in subsection, B inserted "A" and "12."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendment by c. 404 added subdivision A 15 and substituted "14, or 15" for "or 14" in subsection B.
The 2015 amendment by c. 412 in subdivision A 1, substituted "subdivision" for "paragraph" preceding "other designated areas" in the third sentence and added the fourth sentence.
The 2016 amendments. - The 2016 amendments by cc. 20 and 536 are identical, and added subdivision A 15; inserted "or 16" in subsection B; and made related changes.
The 2016 amendment by c. 28, added subdivision A 16; inserted "or 17" in subsection B; and made related changes.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendments by cc. 76 and 153 are identical, and inserted "or in single original metal cans" in subdivisions A 8 through A 10 and A 13.
The 2017 amendment by c. 158 inserted subdivision A 17 and redesignated former subdivision A 17 as subdivision A 18; and substituted "17, or 18" for "or 17" in subsection B.
The 2017 amendment by c. 585 added the last paragraph in subdivision A 1.
The 2018 amendments. - The 2018 amendment by c. 179 inserted clause (iv) in subdivision A 5; and made stylistic changes.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendment by c. 174 added subdivision A 19, and inserted "or 19" in subsection B.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 15 and 32 are identical, and added subdivision A 20; and in subdivision B, substituted "19, or 20" for "or 19" in the first sentence.
The 2020 amendment by c. 400, in the third paragraph of subdivision A 1, in the first sentence, inserted the (a) designation and added clause (b).
The 2020 amendment by c. 1009 added the last paragraph in subdivision A 1.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and in the first sentence of the first and second paragraphs of subdivisions A 1 and 12, inserted "on premises" and "or off-premises consumption"; in clause (a) of the third paragraph of subdivision A 1, inserted "or off-premises"; in clause (1) of the fifth paragraph of subdivision A 1, deleted "for on-premises consumption" following "sell alcoholic beverages" and inserted "for off-premises consumption or for on-premises consumption." For expiration date, see Editor's note.
Michie's Jurisprudence. - For related discussion, see 2C M.J. Aviation, § 1; 10B M.J. Intoxicating Liquors, § 2.
CASE NOTES
License suspended. - Circuit court properly upheld the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine for failure to comply with the statute because the ABC Board explained its reasoning for deviating from its guidelines, and acting within its discretion, it chose not to apply the substantial compliance doctrine and to impose a penalty, as it was permitted to do by the General Assembly. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
Given that the statutes clearly permitted the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's license for failing to meet the required food-beverage ratio, the court of appeals could not ignore the plain statutory language, and it had to affirm the ABC Board's decision to exercise its discretion of issuing a penalty; the plain language of the relevant statutes clearly gave the ABC Board the discretion to impose the penalty. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
Circuit court properly affirmed the decision of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to suspend a restaurant's alcoholic beverage license and to impose a fine because the ABC Board's imposition of the penalty did not lead to a patently absurd result; the ABC Board's decision was consistent with the plain letter of the law, and the lesser penalty imposed reflected its decision that the restaurant's violation of the food-beverage ratio was a relatively minor one. Thormac, LLC v. Dep't of Alcoholic Bev. Control, 68 Va. App. 216, 807 S.E.2d 230 (2017).
§ 4.1-211. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Temporary licenses.
Notwithstanding subsection D of § 4.1-203 , the Board may grant a temporary license to any of the licensed retail operations authorized by §§ 4.1-206 through 4.1-210 . A temporary license may be granted only after an application has been filed in accordance with the provisions of § 4.1-230 and in cases where the sole objection to granting a license is that the establishment will not be qualified in terms of the sale of food. If a temporary license is not granted, the applicant is entitled to a hearing on the issue of qualifications. The decision to refuse to grant a temporary license shall not be subject to a hearing.
If a temporary license is granted, the Board shall conduct an audit of the business after a reasonable period of operation not to exceed 180 days. If the audit indicates that the business is qualified, the license applied for may be granted. If the audit indicates that the business is not qualified, the applicant is entitled to a hearing. No further temporary license shall be granted to the applicant or to any other person at that location for a period of one year from expiration and, once the application becomes the subject of a hearing, no temporary license may be granted.
A temporary license may be revoked summarily by the Board for any cause set forth in § 4.1-225 without complying with subsection A of § 4.1-227 . Revocation of a temporary license shall be effective upon service of the order of revocation upon the licensee or upon the expiration of three business days after the order of the revocation has been mailed to the licensee either at his residence or the address given for the business in the license application. No further notice shall be required.
(Code 1950, § 4-34; 1972, c. 178; 1974, c. 460; 1980, c. 524; 1984, c. 180; 1993, c. 866.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-211 .
§ 4.1-211. (Effective January 1, 2022) Temporary licenses.
Notwithstanding subsection D of § 4.1-203 , the Board may grant a temporary license to any of the licensed retail operations authorized by § 4.1-206.3 . A temporary license may be granted only after an application has been filed in accordance with the provisions of § 4.1-230 and in cases where the sole objection to granting a license is that the establishment will not be qualified in terms of the sale of food. If a temporary license is not granted, the applicant is entitled to a hearing on the issue of qualifications. The decision to refuse to grant a temporary license shall not be subject to a hearing.
If a temporary license is granted, the Board shall conduct an audit of the business after a reasonable period of operation not to exceed 180 days. If the audit indicates that the business is qualified, the license applied for may be granted. If the audit indicates that the business is not qualified, the applicant is entitled to a hearing. No further temporary license shall be granted to the applicant or to any other person at that location for a period of one year from expiration and, once the application becomes the subject of a hearing, no temporary license may be granted.
A temporary license may be revoked summarily by the Board for any cause set forth in § 4.1-225 without complying with subsection A of § 4.1-227 . Revocation of a temporary license shall be effective upon service of the order of revocation upon the licensee or upon the expiration of three business days after the order of the revocation has been mailed to the licensee at either his residence or the address given for the business in the license application. No further notice shall be required.
(Code 1950, § 4-34; 1972, c. 178; 1974, c. 460; 1980, c. 524; 1984, c. 180; 1993, c. 866; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-211 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in the first paragraph, substituted " § 4.1-206.3 " for " §§ 4.1-206 through 4.1-210 " in the first sentence and made a stylistic change.
§ 4.1-212. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Permits required in certain instances.
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The Board may grant the following permits which shall authorize:
- Wine and beer salesmen representing any out-of-state wholesaler engaged in the sale of wine and beer, or either, to sell or solicit the sale of wine or beer, or both in the Commonwealth.
- Any person having any interest in the manufacture, distribution or sale of spirits or other alcoholic beverages to solicit any mixed beverage licensee, his agent, employee or any person connected with the licensee in any capacity in his licensed business to sell or offer for sale such spirits or alcoholic beverages.
- Any person to keep upon his premises alcoholic beverages which he is not authorized by any license to sell and which shall be used for culinary purposes only.
- Any person to transport lawfully purchased alcoholic beverages within, into or through the Commonwealth, except that no permit shall be required for any person shipping or transporting into the Commonwealth a reasonable quantity of alcoholic beverages when such person is relocating his place of residence to the Commonwealth in accordance with § 4.1-310 .
- Any person to keep, store, or possess any still or distilling apparatus for the purpose of distilling alcohol.
- The release of alcoholic beverages not under United States custom bonds or internal revenue bonds stored in Board approved warehouses for delivery to the Board or to persons entitled to receive them within or outside of the Commonwealth.
- The release of alcoholic beverages from United States customs bonded warehouses for delivery to the Board or to licensees and other persons enumerated in subsection B of § 4.1-131 .
- The release of alcoholic beverages from United States internal revenue bonded warehouses for delivery in accordance with subsection C of § 4.1-132 .
- A secured party or any trustee, curator, committee, conservator, receiver or other fiduciary appointed or qualified in any court proceeding, to continue to operate under the licenses previously issued to any deceased or other person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for such period as the Board deems appropriate.
- The one-time sale of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages belonging to any person, or which may be a part of such person's estate, including a judicial sale, estate sale, sale to enforce a judgment lien or liquidation sale to satisfy indebtedness secured by a security interest in alcoholic beverages, by a sheriff, personal representative, receiver or other officer acting under authority of a court having jurisdiction in the Commonwealth, or by any secured party as defined in subdivision (a)(73) of § 8.9A-102 of the Virginia Uniform Commercial Code. Such sales shall be made only to persons who are licensed or hold a permit to sell alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth or to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth and upon such conditions or restrictions as the Board may prescribe.
- Any person who purchases at a foreclosure, secured creditor's or judicial auction sale the premises or property of a person licensed by the Board and who has become lawfully entitled to the possession of the licensed premises to continue to operate the establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses for a period not to exceed 60 days or for such longer period as determined by the Board. Such permit shall be temporary and shall confer the privileges of any licenses held by the previous owner to the extent determined by the Board. Such temporary permit may be issued in advance, conditioned on the above requirements.
- The sale of wine and beer in kegs by any person licensed to sell wine or beer, or both, at retail for off-premises consumption.
- The storage of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages not under customs bond or internal revenue bond in warehouses located in the Commonwealth.
- The storage of wine by a licensed winery or farm winery under internal revenue bond in warehouses located in the Commonwealth.
- Any person to conduct tastings in accordance with § 4.1-201.1 , provided that such person has filed an application for a permit in which the applicant represents (i) that he or she is under contract to conduct such tastings on behalf of the alcoholic beverage manufacturer or wholesaler named in the application; (ii) that such contract grants to the applicant the authority to act as the authorized representative of such manufacturer or wholesaler; and (iii) that such contract contains an acknowledgment that the manufacturer or wholesaler named in the application may be held liable for any violation of § 4.1-201.1 by its authorized representative. A permit issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be valid for at least one year, unless sooner suspended or revoked by the Board in accordance with § 4.1-229 .
- Any person who, through contract, lease, concession, license, management or similar agreement (hereinafter referred to as the contract), becomes lawfully entitled to the use and control of the premises of a person licensed by the Board to continue to operate the establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses, provided such person has made application to the Board for a license at the same premises. The permit shall (i) confer the privileges of any licenses held by the previous owner to the extent determined by the Board and (ii) be valid for a period of 120 days or for such longer period as may be necessary as determined by the Board pending the completion of the processing of the permittee's license application. No permit shall be issued without the written consent of the previous licensee. No permit shall be issued under the provisions of this subdivision if the previous licensee owes any state or local taxes, or has any pending charges for violation of this title or any Board regulation, unless the permittee agrees to assume the liability of the previous licensee for the taxes or any penalty for the pending charges. An application for a permit may be filed prior to the effective date of the contract, in which case the permit when issued shall become effective on the effective date of the contract. Upon the effective date of the permit, (a) the permittee shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this title and any Board regulation and (b) the previous licensee shall not be held liable for any violation of this title or any Board regulation committed by, or any errors or omissions of, the permittee.
- Any sight-seeing carrier or contract passenger carrier as defined in § 46.2-2000 transporting individuals for compensation to a winery, brewery, or restaurant, licensed under this chapter and authorized to conduct tastings, to collect the licensee's tasting fees from tour participants for the sole purpose of remitting such fees to the licensee.
- Any tour company guiding individuals for compensation on a walking tour to one or more establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail for on-premises consumption to collect as one fee from tour participants (i) the licensee's fee for the alcoholic beverages served as part of the tour, (ii) a fee for any food offered as part of the tour, and (iii) a fee for the walking tour service. The tour company shall remit to the licensee any fee collected for the alcoholic beverages and any food served as part of the tour. The tour company shall ensure that (a) each tour includes no more than 15 participants per tour guide and no more than three tour guides, (b) a tour guide is present with the participants throughout the duration of the tour, and (c) all participants are persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold.
- Nothing in subdivision 9, 10, or 11 shall authorize any brewery, winery or affiliate or a subsidiary thereof which has supplied financing to a wholesale licensee to manage and operate the wholesale licensee in the event of a default, except to the extent authorized by subdivision B 3 a of § 4.1-216 . (Code 1950, §§ 4-26, 4-59, 4-61.2, 4-72, 4-77, 4-86; 1950, p. 879; 1954, cc. 21, 351; 1962, c. 200, § 4-84.1; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.16; 1972, cc. 138, 717; 1974, c. 460, § 4-72.1; 1975, c. 480; 1976, c. 696; 1978, c. 436; 1984, c. 53; 1986, c. 190; 1988, c. 786; 1990, cc. 442, 773; 1993, cc. 221, 866; 1994, cc. 825, 826; 1997, c. 801; 2003, c. 564; 2006, c. 826; 2008, c. 453; 2012, c. 155; 2014, c. 617; 2017, c. 675; 2020, cc. 386, 816.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective January 1, 2022, see the following section, also numbered § 4.1-212 .
Editor's note. - Acts 1993, c. 221 amended former § 4-59, from which this section is derived. Pursuant to § 30-152, the 1993 amendment by c. 221 has been given effect in this section as set out above. In accordance with c. 221, "and upon such conditions or restrictions as the Board may prescribe" was added to the last sentence of subdivision 10 of this section.
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
The 2003 amendments. - The 2003 amendment by c. 564 substituted "subsection C" for "subsection B" in subdivision 8; substituted "60" for "sixty" in subdivision 11; and added subdivision 14.
The 2006 amendments. - The 2006 amendment by c. 826 inserted the A and B designations and added subdivision A 15.
The 2008 amendments. - The 2008 amendment by c. 453, in subdivision A 11, inserted "to continue to operate the establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses for a period not to exceed 60 days or for such longer period as determined by the Board" at the end of the first sentence, in the second sentence, deleted the clause (i) designation and deleted clause (ii), which read: "authorize the permittee to continue to operate the establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses for a period not to exceed 60 days or for such longer period as determined by the Board"; and added subdivision A 16.
The 2012 amendments. - The 2012 amendment by c. 155, effective July 1, 2013, substituted "subdivision (a)(73)" for "subdivision (a)(72)" in subdivision A 10.
The 2014 amendments. - The 2014 amendment by c. 617 added subdivision A 17.
The 2017 amendments. - The 2017 amendment by c. 675 added subdivision A 18.
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 386 added "for the purpose of distilling alcohol" to subdivision A 5.
The 2020 amendment by c. 816, in subdivision A 18, deleted "culinary" preceding "walking tour" twice, deleted "food and" preceding "alcoholic beverages" in clause (i); inserted clause (ii); substituted "alcoholic beverages and any food" for "food and alcoholic beverages" in the second sentence, deleted the former last sentence, which read: "Food cooked or prepared on the premises of such licensed establishments shall be served at each such establishment on the tour," and added the present last sentence.
§ 4.1-212. (Effective January 1, 2022) Permits required in certain instances.
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The Board may grant the following permits which shall authorize:
- Wine and beer salesmen representing any out-of-state wholesaler engaged in the sale of wine and beer, or either, to sell or solicit the sale of wine or beer, or both in the Commonwealth.
- Any person having any interest in the manufacture, distribution or sale of spirits or other alcoholic beverages to solicit any mixed beverage licensee, his agent, employee or any person connected with the licensee in any capacity in his licensed business to sell or offer for sale such spirits or alcoholic beverages.
- Any person to keep upon his premises alcoholic beverages that he is not authorized by any license to sell and which shall be used for culinary purposes only.
- Any person to transport lawfully purchased alcoholic beverages within, into or through the Commonwealth, except that no permit shall be required for any person shipping or transporting into the Commonwealth a reasonable quantity of alcoholic beverages when such person is relocating his place of residence to the Commonwealth in accordance with § 4.1-310 .
- Any person to keep, store, or possess any still or distilling apparatus for the purpose of distilling alcohol.
- The release of alcoholic beverages not under United States custom bonds or internal revenue bonds stored in Board approved warehouses for delivery to the Board or to persons entitled to receive them within or outside of the Commonwealth.
- The release of alcoholic beverages from United States customs bonded warehouses for delivery to the Board or to licensees and other persons enumerated in subsection B of § 4.1-131 .
- The release of alcoholic beverages from United States internal revenue bonded warehouses for delivery in accordance with subsection C of § 4.1-132 .
- A secured party or any trustee, curator, committee, conservator, receiver or other fiduciary appointed or qualified in any court proceeding, to continue to operate under the licenses previously issued to any deceased or other person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for such period as the Board deems appropriate.
- The one-time sale of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages belonging to any person, or which may be a part of such person's estate, including a judicial sale, estate sale, sale to enforce a judgment lien or liquidation sale to satisfy indebtedness secured by a security interest in alcoholic beverages, by a sheriff, personal representative, receiver or other officer acting under authority of a court having jurisdiction in the Commonwealth, or by any secured party as defined in subdivision (a)(73) of § 8.9A-102 of the Virginia Uniform Commercial Code. Such sales shall be made only to persons who are licensed or hold a permit to sell alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth or to persons outside the Commonwealth for resale outside the Commonwealth and upon such conditions or restrictions as the Board may prescribe.
- Any person who purchases at a foreclosure, secured creditor's or judicial auction sale the premises or property of a person licensed by the Board and who has become lawfully entitled to the possession of the licensed premises to continue to operate the establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses for a period not to exceed 60 days or for such longer period as determined by the Board. Such permit shall be temporary and shall confer the privileges of any licenses held by the previous owner to the extent determined by the Board. Such temporary permit may be issued in advance, conditioned on the above requirements.
- The storage of lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages not under customs bond or internal revenue bond in warehouses located in the Commonwealth.
- The storage of wine by a licensed winery or farm winery under internal revenue bond in warehouses located in the Commonwealth.
- Any person to conduct tastings in accordance with § 4.1-201.1 , provided that such person has filed an application for a permit in which the applicant represents (i) that he or she is under contract to conduct such tastings on behalf of the alcoholic beverage manufacturer or wholesaler named in the application; (ii) that such contract grants to the applicant the authority to act as the authorized representative of such manufacturer or wholesaler; and (iii) that such contract contains an acknowledgment that the manufacturer or wholesaler named in the application may be held liable for any violation of § 4.1-201.1 by its authorized representative. A permit issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be valid for at least one year, unless sooner suspended or revoked by the Board in accordance with § 4.1-229 .
- Any person who, through contract, lease, concession, license, management or similar agreement (hereinafter referred to as the contract), becomes lawfully entitled to the use and control of the premises of a person licensed by the Board to continue to operate the establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses, provided such person has made application to the Board for a license at the same premises. The permit shall (i) confer the privileges of any licenses held by the previous owner to the extent determined by the Board and (ii) be valid for a period of 120 days or for such longer period as may be necessary as determined by the Board pending the completion of the processing of the permittee's license application. No permit shall be issued without the written consent of the previous licensee. No permit shall be issued under the provisions of this subdivision if the previous licensee owes any state or local taxes, or has any pending charges for violation of this title or any Board regulation, unless the permittee agrees to assume the liability of the previous licensee for the taxes or any penalty for the pending charges. An application for a permit may be filed prior to the effective date of the contract, in which case the permit when issued shall become effective on the effective date of the contract. Upon the effective date of the permit, (a) the permittee shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this title and any Board regulation and (b) the previous licensee shall not be held liable for any violation of this title or any Board regulation committed by, or any errors or omissions of, the permittee.
- Any sight-seeing carrier or contract passenger carrier as defined in § 46.2-2000 transporting individuals for compensation to a winery, brewery, or restaurant, licensed under this chapter and authorized to conduct tastings, to collect the licensee's tasting fees from tour participants for the sole purpose of remitting such fees to the licensee.
- Any tour company guiding individuals for compensation on a walking tour to one or more establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail for on-premises consumption to collect as one fee from tour participants (i) the licensee's fee for the alcoholic beverages served as part of the tour, (ii) a fee for any food offered as part of the tour, and (iii) a fee for the walking tour service. The tour company shall remit to the licensee any fee collected for the alcoholic beverages and any food served as part of the tour. The tour company shall ensure that (a) each tour includes no more than 15 participants per tour guide and no more than three tour guides, (b) a tour guide is present with the participants throughout the duration of the tour, and (c) all participants are persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold.
- Nothing in subdivision 9, 10, or 11 shall authorize any brewery, winery or affiliate or a subsidiary thereof which has supplied financing to a wholesale licensee to manage and operate the wholesale licensee in the event of a default, except to the extent authorized by subdivision B 3 a of § 4.1-216 . (Code 1950, §§ 4-26, 4-59, 4-61.2, 4-72, 4-77, 4-86; 1950, p. 879; 1954, cc. 21, 351; 1962, c. 200, § 4-84.1; 1968, c. 7, § 4-98.16; 1972, cc. 138, 717; 1974, c. 460, § 4-72.1; 1975, c. 480; 1976, c. 696; 1978, c. 436; 1984, c. 53; 1986, c. 190; 1988, c. 786; 1990, cc. 442, 773; 1993, cc. 221, 866; 1994, cc. 825, 826; 1997, c. 801; 2003, c. 564; 2006, c. 826; 2008, c. 453; 2012, c. 155; 2014, c. 617; 2017, c. 675; 2020, cc. 386, 816, 1113, 1114.)
Section set out twice. - The section above is effective January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the preceding section, also numbered § 4.1-212 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 8, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That on or after July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may issue mixed beverage carrier licenses to persons operating a common carrier of passengers by bus, which shall authorize the licensee to sell and serve mixed beverages anywhere in the Commonwealth to passengers while in transit aboard any such common carrier. The state license fee for any such license granted prior to January 1, 2022, shall be $190. Such license shall automatically authorize the licensee to obtain a license to sell and serve wine and beer for on-premises consumption; however, the licensee shall be required to pay the local fee required for such additional license. For the purposes of this enactment, 'bus' means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 ( § 46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or Board regulation."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendment by c. 386 added "for the purpose of distilling alcohol" to subdivision A 5.
The 2020 amendment by c. 816, in subdivision A 18, deleted "culinary" preceding "walking tour" twice, deleted "food and" preceding "alcoholic beverages" in clause (i); inserted clause (ii); substituted "alcoholic beverages and any food" for "food and alcoholic beverages" in the second sentence, deleted the former last sentence, which read: "Food cooked or prepared on the premises of such licensed establishments shall be served at each such establishment on the tour," and added the present last sentence.
The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and deleted former subdivision A 12, which read: "The sale of wine and beer in kegs by any person licensed to sell wine or beer, or both, at retail for off-premises consumption," and renumbered accordingly; and made a stylistic change.
§ 4.1-212.1. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Permits; delivery of wine and beer; regulations of Board.
- Any brewery, winery, or farm winery located within or outside the Commonwealth that is authorized to engage in the retail sale of wine or beer for off-premises consumption may apply to the Board for issuance of a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of the brands of beer, wine, and farm wine produced by the same brewery, winery, or farm winery in closed containers to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption.
- Any person located within or outside the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell wine or beer at retail for off-premises consumption in their state of domicile, and who is not a brewery, winery, or farm winery, may apply for a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of any brands of beer, wine, and farm wine it is authorized to sell in its state of domicile, in closed containers, to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption.
- Any person located within the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell mixed beverages at retail for off-premises consumption may apply for a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of any mixed beverages it is authorized to sell, in closed containers, to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption.
- Any distiller that has been appointed as an agent of the Board pursuant to subsection D of § 4.1-119 may, subject to the distiller's agency agreement with the Authority, deliver to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption any alcoholic beverages that the distiller is authorized to sell through organized tasting events in accordance with subsection G of § 4.1-119 and Board regulations.
- All deliveries made pursuant to this section shall be to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption only and not for resale. Such deliveries shall be performed by either (i) the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the permittee or (ii) an independent contractor of the permittee, provided that (a) the permittee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the permittee shall be vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this section or § 4.1-304 committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries of alcoholic beverages made on behalf of the permittee and (b) only one individual takes possession of the alcoholic beverages during the course of the delivery. No more than four cases of wine nor more than four cases of beer may be delivered at one time to any person in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold, except that the permittee may deliver more than four cases of wine or more than four cases of beer if he notifies the Department in writing at least one business day in advance of any such delivery, which notice contains the name and address of the intended recipient. The Board may adopt such regulations as it reasonably deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (1) the recipient to demonstrate, upon delivery, that he is at least 21 years of age and (2) the recipient to sign an electronic or paper form or other acknowledgment of receipt as approved by the Board.
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In addition to other applicable requirements set forth in this section, the following provisions shall apply to the sale of mixed beverages for off-premises consumption and the delivery of mixed beverages pursuant to this section:
- Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, mixed beverages may be delivered to (i) a person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the licensee's premises where such person has electronically ordered mixed beverages in advance of the delivery or (ii) such other locations as may be permitted by Board regulation;
- Mixed beverages shall not be sold for off-premises consumption or delivered after 11:00 p.m. or before 6:00 a.m.;
- No distiller shall sell for off-premises consumption or deliver more than two mixed beverages at any one time, and no mixed beverage restaurant or limited mixed beverage restaurant licensee may sell for off-premises consumption or deliver more than four mixed beverages at any one time;
- All mixed beverages sold for off-premises consumption or delivered by a mixed beverage restaurant or limited mixed beverage restaurant licensee shall contain at least one mixer and have a maximum combined volume of 16 ounces;
- Mixed beverage restaurant and limited mixed beverage restaurant licensees shall serve at least one meal with every two mixed beverages sold for off-premises consumption or delivered; and
- Mixed beverages sold for off-premises consumption or delivered shall be in single original metal cans or in glass, paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers that include a secure lid, cap, or similar closure that prevents the mixed beverage from being consumed without removal of such lid, cap, or similar closure. The Board may summarily revoke a licensee's privileges to sell or deliver mixed beverages for off-premises consumption for noncompliance with the provisions of this section or § 4.1-225 or 4.1-325 . Any summary revocation by the Board pursuant to this paragraph (i) shall not be subject to the provisions of § 4.1-227 , (ii) shall not be subject to appeal, and (iii) shall become effective upon personal service of the notice of summary revocation to the licensee or upon the fourth business day after such notice is mailed to the licensee's residence or the address listed for the licensed premises on the initial license application.
- For purposes of §§ 4.1-234 and 4.1-236 and Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, each delivery of wine, beer, or mixed beverages by a permittee shall constitute a sale in Virginia. The permittee shall collect the taxes due to the Commonwealth and remit any excise taxes monthly to the Authority and any sales taxes to the Department of Taxation, if such taxes have not already been paid. (2007, cc. 99, 799; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, c. 706; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section set out three times. - The section set out above is effective until January 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective from January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the second version and for the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the third version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-212.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2015, cc. 38 and 730, cl. 4, as amended by Acts 2017, cc. 698 and 707, cl. 2, provides: "That the provisions of this act shall become effective on January 15, 2018, except that the provisions of the (i) thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth enactments of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2015; (ii) third enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2018; and (iii) eleventh enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2019."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cl. 4 provides: "That any person licensed to sell wine or beer for on-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer to persons to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold for off-premises consumption until January 1, 2022, provided that such wine or beer is sold in a (i) container upon which the original seal or closure has not been broken; (ii) growler made of glass, ceramic, metal, or other material approved by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board); or (iii) reusable, resealable container approved by the Board. Such on-premises licensee, as well as persons licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption, may deliver wine or beer that it is authorized to sell to consumers within the Commonwealth without obtaining a delivery permit until January 1, 2022, subject to the following conditions: (a) deliveries shall be performed by (1) the licensee, (2) an agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee, or (3) an independent contractor of the licensee, provided that only one individual takes possession of the wine or beer during the course of the delivery and the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee is vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this enactment or § 4.1-304 of the Code of Virginia committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries made on behalf of the licensee; (b) deliveries may be made without obtaining the recipient's signature, provided that the person making the delivery records the recipient's full name and the method used to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older; (c) the delivery shall be refused when the recipient appears to be younger than 21 years of age and refuses to present valid identification; (d) the licensee shall affix a conspicuous notice in 16-point type or larger to the outside of each package of wine or beer that states 'CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY' and includes the licensee number; and (e) no more than four cases of wine or beer may be delivered to any person at one time unless the licensee provides notice to the Board at least one business day prior to the delivery, which notice shall include the name and address of the intended recipient."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2015 amendments. - The 2015 amendments by cc. 38 and 730, effective January 15, 2018, are identical and substituted "Authority" for "Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control" in subsection D.
The 2019 amendments. - The 2019 amendment by c. 706, in subsection C, inserted "either (i)" and added clause (ii) at the end of the second sentence; in subsection D, inserted "if such taxes have not already been paid"; and made stylistic changes.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and added subsections C, D and F and redesignated remaining subsections accordingly; in subsection E, substituted "All deliveries made pursuant to this section" for "All such deliveries" in the first sentence, in the second sentence, substituted "Such deliveries" for "All such deliveries of beer, wine, or farm wine" and substituted "alcoholic beverages" for "beer, wine, or farm wine" in clauses (a) and (b); and in subsection G, inserted "or mixed beverages." For expiration date, see Editor's note.
§ 4.1-212.1. (Effective January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022) Delivery of wine and beer; kegs; regulations of Board.
- Any brewery, winery, or farm winery located within or outside the Commonwealth that is authorized to engage in the retail sale of wine or beer for off-premises consumption may deliver the brands of beer, wine, and farm wine produced by the same brewery, winery, or farm winery in closed containers to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption.
- Any person licensed to sell wine and beer at retail for off-premises consumption in the Commonwealth, and who is not a brewery, winery, or farm winery, may deliver the brands of beer, wine, and farm wine it is authorized to sell in closed containers to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, such deliveries may be made to (i) a person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the licensee's premises where such person has electronically ordered beer, wine, or farm wine in advance of the delivery or (ii) such other locations as may be permitted by Board regulation.
- Any person located outside the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell wine or beer at retail for off-premises consumption in its state of domicile, and who is not a brewery, winery, or farm winery, may apply for a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of any brands of beer, wine, and farm wine it is authorized to sell in its state of domicile, in closed containers, to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption.
- Any person licensed to sell mixed beverages at retail for off-premises consumption in the Commonwealth may deliver any mixed beverages it is authorized to sell in closed containers to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, such deliveries may be made to (i) a person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the licensee's premises where such person has electronically ordered mixed beverages in advance of the delivery or (ii) such other locations as may be permitted by Board regulation.
- Any distiller that has been appointed as an agent of the Board pursuant to subsection D of § 4.1-119 may deliver to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption any alcoholic beverages the distiller is authorized to sell through organized tasting events in accordance with subsection G of § 4.1-119 and Board regulations. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, such deliveries may be made to (i) a person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the licensee's premises where such person has electronically ordered mixed beverages in advance of the delivery or (ii) such other locations as may be permitted by Board regulation.
- All deliveries made pursuant to this section shall be to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption only and not for resale. Such deliveries shall be performed by either (i) the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee or permittee or (ii) an independent contractor of the licensee or permittee, provided that (a) the licensee or permittee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee or permittee shall be vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this section or § 4.1-304 committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries of alcoholic beverages made on behalf of the licensee or permittee and (b) only one individual takes possession of the alcoholic beverages during the course of the delivery. No more than four cases of wine nor more than four cases of beer may be delivered at one time to any person in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold, except that the licensee or permittee may deliver more than four cases of wine or more than four cases of beer if he notifies the Authority in writing at least one business day in advance of any such delivery, which notice contains the name and address of the intended recipient. The Board may adopt such regulations as it reasonably deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (1) the recipient to demonstrate, upon delivery, that he is at least 21 years of age and (2) the recipient to sign an electronic or paper form or other acknowledgement of receipt as approved by the Board.
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In addition to other applicable requirements set forth in this section, the following provisions shall apply to the sale of mixed beverages for off-premises consumption and the delivery of mixed beverages pursuant to this section:
- Mixed beverages shall not be sold for off-premises consumption or delivered after 11:00 p.m. or before 6:00 a.m.;
- No distiller shall sell for off-premises consumption or deliver more than two mixed beverages at any one time, and no mixed beverage restaurant or limited mixed beverage restaurant licensee may sell for off-premises consumption or deliver more than four mixed beverages at any one time;
- All mixed beverages sold for off-premises consumption or delivered by a mixed beverage restaurant or limited mixed beverage restaurant licensee shall contain at least one mixer and have a maximum combined volume of 16 ounces;
- Mixed beverage restaurant and limited mixed beverage restaurant licensees shall serve at least one meal with every two mixed beverages sold for off-premises consumption or delivered; and
- Mixed beverages sold for off-premises consumption or delivered shall be in single original metal cans or in glass, paper, plastic, or similar disposable containers that include a secure lid, cap, or similar closure that prevents the mixed beverage from being consumed without removal of such lid, cap, or similar closure. The Board may summarily revoke a licensee's privileges to sell or deliver mixed beverages for off-premises consumption for noncompliance with the provisions of this section or § 4.1-225 or 4.1-325 . Any summary revocation by the Board pursuant to this paragraph (i) shall not be subject to the provisions of § 4.1-227 , (ii) shall not be subject to appeal, and (iii) shall become effective upon personal service of the notice of summary revocation to the licensee or upon the fourth business day after such notice is mailed to the licensee's residence or the address listed for the licensed premises on the initial license application.
- For purposes of §§ 4.1-234 and 4.1-236 and Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, each delivery of wine, beer, or mixed beverages by a licensee or permittee shall constitute a sale in Virginia. The licensee or permittee shall collect the taxes due to the Commonwealth and remit any excise taxes monthly to the Authority and any sales taxes to the Department of Taxation, if such taxes have not already been paid.
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Any manufacturer or retailer who is licensed to sell wine, beer, or both for off-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer in kegs, subject to any limitations imposed by Board regulation. The Board may impose a fee for keg registration seals. For purposes of this subsection, "keg registration seal" means any document, stamp, declaration, seal, decal, sticker, or device that is approved by the Board, designed to be affixed to kegs, and displays a registration number and such other information as may be prescribed by the Board.
(2007, cc. 99, 799; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, c. 706; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281, 282.)
Section set out three times. - The section set out above is effective from January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the first version and for the version of this section effective July 1, 2022, see the third version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-212.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "That the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may promulgate regulations that allow a licensee who holds a license that is repealed by the provisions of this act to continue to operate under such license until the expiration of its original term."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 7 provides: "That any farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery that, prior to July 1, 2016, (i) holds a valid license granted by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Board) in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and (ii) is in compliance with the local zoning ordinance as an agricultural district or classification or as otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery use shall be allowed to continue such use as provided in § 15.2-2307 of the Code of Virginia, notwithstanding (a) the provisions of § 4.1-206.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, or (b) a subsequent change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016, whether by transfer, acquisition, inheritance, or other means. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may expand any existing building or structure and the uses thereof so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. Any such farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery located on land zoned residential conservation prior to July 1, 2016, may construct a new building or structure so long as specifically approved by the locality by special exception. All such licensees shall comply with the requirements of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and Board regulations for renewal of such license or the issuance of a new license in the event of a change in ownership of the farm winery, limited brewery, or limited distillery on or after July 1, 2016."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 2 provides: "That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2022."
Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, cl. 3 provides: "That the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (the Authority) shall convene a work group to study the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. In conducting the study, the work group shall analyze the implementation of the provisions of this act that authorize the sale and delivery of mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption, determine whether such provisions should be implemented permanently, and identify any further statutory or regulatory modifications that should be made in the event that such provisions are made permanent. The Authority shall report its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services by November 1, 2021."
The 2020 amendments. - The 2020 amendments by cc. 1113 and 1114 are identical, effective January 1, 2022, and in subsection A, substituted "deliver" for "apply to the Board for issuance of a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of" and inserted the second instance of "off-premises"; rewrote subsection B, which read: "Any person located within or outside the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell wine or beer at retail for off-premises consumption in their state of domicile, and who is not a brewery, winery, or farm winery, may apply for a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of any brands of beer, wine, and farm wine it is authorized to sell in its state of domicile, in closed containers, to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption"; inserted subsection C and redesignated accordingly; in subsections D and E, substituted "licensee or permittee" for "permittee" throughout; in subsection D, substituted "the Authority" for "the Department" in the third sentence; added subsection F and made stylistic changes.
The 2021 Sp. Sess. I amendments. - The 2021 amendments by Sp. Sess. I, cc. 281 and 282, effective July 1, 2021, are identical, and added subsections C, D and F and redesignated remaining subsections accordingly; in subsection E, substituted "All deliveries made pursuant to this section" for "All such deliveries" in the first sentence, in the second sentence, substituted "Such deliveries" for "All such deliveries of beer, wine, or farm wine" and substituted "alcoholic beverages" for "beer, wine, or farm wine" in clauses (a) and (b); and in subsection G, inserted "or mixed beverages." For expiration date, see Editor's note.
§ 4.1-212.1. (Effective July 1, 2022) Delivery of wine and beer; kegs; regulations of Board.
- Any brewery, winery, or farm winery located within or outside the Commonwealth that is authorized to engage in the retail sale of wine or beer for off-premises consumption may deliver the brands of beer, wine, and farm wine produced by the same brewery, winery, or farm winery in closed containers to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption.
- Any person licensed to sell wine and beer at retail for off-premises consumption in the Commonwealth, and who is not a brewery, winery, or farm winery, may deliver the brands of beer, wine, and farm wine it is authorized to sell in closed containers to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, such deliveries may be made to (i) a person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the licensee's premises where such person has electronically ordered beer, wine, or farm wine in advance of the delivery or (ii) such other locations as may be permitted by Board regulation.
- Any person located outside the Commonwealth who is authorized to sell wine or beer at retail for off-premises consumption in its state of domicile, and who is not a brewery, winery, or farm winery, may apply for a delivery permit that shall authorize the delivery of any brands of beer, wine, and farm wine it is authorized to sell in its state of domicile, in closed containers, to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal off-premises consumption.
- All such deliveries shall be to consumers within the Commonwealth for personal consumption only and not for resale. All such deliveries of beer, wine, or farm wine shall be performed by either (i) the owner or any agent, officer, director, shareholder, or employee of the licensee or permittee or (ii) an independent contractor of the licensee or permittee, provided that (a) the licensee or permittee has entered into a written agreement with the independent contractor establishing that the licensee or permittee shall be vicariously liable for any administrative violations of this section or § 4.1-304 committed by the independent contractor relating to any deliveries of beer, wine, or farm wine made on behalf of the licensee or permittee and (b) only one individual takes possession of the beer, wine, or farm wine during the course of the delivery. No more than four cases of wine nor more than four cases of beer may be delivered at one time to any person in Virginia to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold, except that the licensee or permittee may deliver more than four cases of wine or more than four cases of beer if he notifies the Authority in writing at least one business day in advance of any such delivery, which notice contains the name and address of the intended recipient. The Board may adopt such regulations as it reasonably deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall include provisions that require (1) the recipient to demonstrate, upon delivery, that he is at least 21 years of age and (2) the recipient to sign an electronic or paper form or other acknowledgement of receipt as approved by the Board.
- For purposes of §§ 4.1-234 and 4.1-236 and Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, each delivery of wine or beer by a licensee or permittee shall constitute a sale in Virginia. The licensee or permittee shall collect the taxes due to the Commonwealth and remit any excise taxes monthly to the Authority and any sales taxes to the Department of Taxation, if such taxes have not already been paid.
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Any manufacturer or retailer who is licensed to sell wine, beer, or both for off-premises consumption may sell such wine or beer in kegs, subject to any limitations imposed by Board regulation. The Board may impose a fee for keg registration seals. For purposes of this subsection, "keg registration seal" means any document, stamp, declaration, seal, decal, sticker, or device that is approved by the Board, designed to be affixed to kegs, and displays a registration number and such other information as may be prescribed by the Board.
(2007, cc. 99, 799; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, c. 706; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114.)
Section set out three times. - The section set out above is effective July 1, 2022. For the version of this section effective until January 1, 2022, see the first version and for the version of this section effective from January 1, 2022, until July 1, 2022, see the second version of this section, also numbered § 4.1-212.1 .
Editor's note. - Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 3, as amended by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 82, cls. 2 and 3, provides: "That the provisions of the first, second, and fourth enactments of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2022, except for the provisions of the first enactment that amend the definition of low alcohol beverage cooler set forth in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by this act, which shall become effective July 1, 2020."
Acts 2020, cc. 1113 and 1114, cl. 6 provides: "Tha