VA ABC Updates
Stay up to date on Virginia ABC licensing news, compliance reminders, regulatory changes, MBAR requirements, renewals, one-day event licenses, and alcohol industry updates. ABC Consulting provides practical guidance for restaurants, bars, retailers, event organizers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, wholesalers, and Virginia businesses that need to get licensed, stay compliant, and understand changing ABC requirements.
Virginia Retail Tobacco Permit
Virginia has enacted new laws requiring a Retail Tobacco Permit to sell tobacco, vapor, and nicotine products. Here's a plain-language summary of what the ABC Authority has announced so far. This page will be updated as new information is released.
Store Tastings and Products
HB 385, which will go into effect July 1, 2026, will allow Virginia ABC staff to conduct tastings as part of organized tasting events at ABC stores. Prior to this legislation, only suppliers could conduct tastings at ABC stores. In addition, HB 385 clarifies existing law that allows Virginia ABC to sell products that are used in connection with distilled spirits beyond simply garnishes or items approved by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Distilleries Selling Spirits for On-premises Consumption
SB 424, which will go into effect July 1, 2026, doubles the volume of spirits a distillery - which sells spirits as an agent of Virginia ABC - may sell and serve to a customer. The approved amount increased from three to six ounces of spirits per customer per day for consumption on the premises. Distilleries making on-premises spirits sales will be required to have food reasonably available for patrons, although such food could come from food trucks or the patrons themselves.
MBAR Ratio Requirements Modified
HB 975, which will go into effect July 1, 2026, leaves in place the general contours of the MBAR (Mixed Beverage Annual Review) Ratio, but mixed beverage restaurants selling significant amounts of food and smaller restaurants will be subjected to a less onerous MBAR Ratio. Mixed beverage restaurants selling at least $48,000 of food each month will not be subject to the MBAR Ratio, and mixed beverage restaurants selling at least $25,000 but less than $48,000 of food each month and certain low-occupancy restaurants will be subject to a reduced 30% MBAR Ratio. All other mixed beverage restaurants will remain subject to the current 45% MBAR Ratio.
