Virginia ABC licensing — your questions, answered.
Getting Licensed
How long does a Virginia ABC license take?
It depends on the license. One-day event licenses are typically approved in about 15 days. Retail licenses include a 30-day public objection period that begins with the first of two required legal newspaper publications.
What license do I need for my business?
Restaurants and bars generally need a mixed-beverage or on-premises license; stores need an off-premises license; manufacturers and wholesalers need state and federal licenses. We’ll identify the exact Virginia ABC license type for your business.
What is the 30-day objection period?
After you apply for a retail or industry license, the public has 30 days to object in writing to the Authority. The clock starts with your first legal newspaper publication.
Cost
How much does it cost?
It depends on the license. Contact us for an estimate of services and license fees.
Will I know what I'm paying for?
Yes. Your quote separates our service fees from the state and federal fees, so you always see exactly what each part costs before you commit.
One Day Event Licenses
Do I need an alcohol license for my wedding or private event in Virginia?
Often, yes. If alcohol will be served at a venue, event space or other location that is not your private home, Virginia ABC usually requires a One Day banquet license. Many venues also require you to show the license before your event. If you are not sure, fill out our online form and we will let you know what applies to your event.
Can I apply for a One Day license myself?
Yes, anyone can apply directly with Virginia ABC. Many people use us because the application asks for details that are easy to get wrong, and a mistake or a missed deadline can delay approval close to your event date. We prepare the application, check it before it goes in, stay in contact with ABC and let you know when you are approved. You focus on your event, and we handle the paperwork.
How much does it cost?
For an individual One Day license, our fee is $195, all inclusive. That covers the state application fee, the state license fee, online processing and our help through approval. Each additional day is $40. Pricing for nonprofit and organization events ranges from $225 to $315, depending on the license type.
How far ahead should I apply?
As early as possible. Approval typically takes about 15 days, but it can take longer. We recommend applying at least 30 days before your event, so there is time to handle anything ABC asks for.
How does the process work with ABC Consulting?
Fill out our online form. We will contact you to review pricing and collect payment. We then prepare and submit your application, follow up with ABC and send you your approved license.
Do you work with wedding venues and caterers?
Yes. We work with venues, caterers and event planners across Virginia. If you are a venue and would like us listed as a resource for your clients, contact us.
Working with Us
Are you the Virginia ABC Authority?
No. We are an independent private consulting firm. The Authority is the state regulator; we help you navigate it.
Are you attorneys?
No. We are business consultants, not a law firm, and we don’t provide legal advice. We can refer you to qualified Virginia attorneys when needed.
Why use a team instead of a solo consultant?
Capacity and depth. With a team and 50+ years of combined experience, we move faster and handle complex cases a single person can’t.
Do you use AI?
Yes — as a tool for efficiency and to stay current with rule changes. Your work is always overseen by experienced humans.
Do you offer training?
Yes — we provide practical alcohol-compliance training for owners and staff.
Staying Compliant
What is MBAR?
The Mixed Beverage Annual Review — an annual filing mixed-beverage licensees must complete. We prepare and file it for you.
FAQ's Videos
Crystal E. Stump is the founder and CEO of ABC Consulting. Ms. Stump has licensed over 1,000 licensees and trained over 5,000 people in the alcohol industry…
Before applying for a Virginia (VA) alcohol license (ABC license), first, you should determine what license type you will qualify for…
Alcohol licensing in Virginia is a process that requires a 30-day objection period for retail and industry license applicants…
- Are you prepared for your pre-license VA ABC application on-site inspection?
- What about your 90-day alcohol license inspection?
- What about your random annual alcohol inspection?
Virginia ABC Authority currently does not offer a mobile bartending license. In Virginia, one can operate as a mobile bartender, but cannot sell alcohol, tickets to an event, or take donations…
If you are applying for a retail or industry ABC license make sure you understand state applications fully. Retail licensing refers to restaurants, gourmet shops, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc..
If you are applying for a retail or industry ABC license make sure you understand state applications fully. Retail licensing refers to restaurants, gourmet shops, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc..
VA ABC Authority does not have an ABC license specific to a Hookah Lounge, but there is hope. I have licensed many hookah lounges across Virginia after they made a simple adjustment to serving food…
VA ABC Authority does not have an ABC license specific to a Hookah Lounge, but there is hope. I have licensed many hookah lounges across Virginia after they made a simple adjustment to serving food…
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority does not have a license designated for gift basket businesses; however, an individual can apply for and receive an Internet Retailer License…
Event Centers in Virginia are often looking for ways to license their venue to sell or serve alcohol. A licensed venue alleviates customers from having to obtain their own One-Day Banquet license for an event…
Who doesn’t like a glass of wine when getting their hair done? With the proper alcohol license, hair salons can offer wine or beer to their customers…
A VA ABC COOP is a Continuation of Operations Permit. This permit can be approved for a new VA ABC applicant who wishes for the current alcohol license to remain in effect during the license application process..
A Virginia Under Age Buyer, AKA UAB, is a person under the age of 21, hired by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority Enforcement Division to attempt to purchase alcohol in licensed locations…
In Virginia, most businesses operate under a legal entity known as an LLC or INC, therefore, the owners are considered members if they operate as an LLC and officers/directors if they operate as a corporation…
Are you familiar with the VA ABC Authority’s record-keeping requirement?
All records shall be kept on the premises for 2 years…
Proof of monthly sales is one of the most important elements of record keeping. Your POS, cash register, or other sales reporting system you are using should categorize your sales in the following categories….
If your current legal entity (LLC or INC) is licensed to sell alcohol then you should understand the value that you hold. Many buyers are in the market for purchasing an already licensed location simply to avoid going through the VA ABC application process…
An ABC Manager is a title created by VA ABC Authority for the purpose of having an individual available to assist in giving an inspection. ABC Managers must be 21 years of age and cannot have a felony or DUI conviction without permission from the VA ABC Authority…
Baileys Irish Cream in your coffee sounds great! You need a license to sell that kind of coffee. The VA ABC Authority does not offer a specific license for coffee shops, but I have licensed many coffee shops across Virginia after they made a simple adjustment to serving food…
This video discusses the 3 ways your ABC license can be revoked…
