Crystal Stump (founder and CEO of ABC Consulting and former VA ABC Agent for VA ABC Authority). Today, she’ll explain Growlers, in Virginia, with the new executive order changing the approved containers for refilling Growlers.
Pour yourself a drink; you’re going to need it!
During the pandemic, the rules are changing, rapidly. Subscribe to the YouTube channel for the latest news about ABC regulations and changes.
Before the executive order, in the state of Virginia, as a licensee, there were restrictions:
- Wine could be refilled into a 64 oz container.
- Beer could be refilled into a 128 oz container.
- They have to be refillable containers (glass, ceramic or metal and they must be reusable).
During this pandemic, however, according to the new executive order, it has been changed to allow for the following:
- Pet, plastic growler bottles and pet, plastic bottles are now allowed (with a maximum size of 64 oz.).
- Swing-top bottle (maximum size 750 mil.).
- Flip-top (maximum size 32 oz.).
- Remember, most importantly, that all recipients of delivery items must be ID’d and must be at least 21 years of age to be able to take those products from you.
- When the executive order is over, you won’t be able to serve without the correct off-premises license, but during this executive order, if you are licensed to sell and serve on premises, you are allowed to sell ToGo or Deliver.
During this executive order, because of COVID-19, restrictions have been lifted and licensees can now serve, off premises, with no additional licensing. If you want to continue serving off premises, after the executive order has expired, reach out and we’ll get you licensed.
One final thought while we are discussing containers – there have always been restrictions on sizes of drinks and containers on the table in a restaurant. Now, there are changes of the sizes of the containers that are brought to the table (when the executive order is lifted and patrons can visit your restaurant, again, of course):
- A wine or beer carafe or decanter can be no more than 51 oz.
- You can serve mixed-beverage in a pitcher (has to be an actual pitcher — it cannot be a fishbowl or such). This mixed-beverage pitcher can be a maximum of 32 oz and must be shared by 2 people.
It is ABC Consulting’s first priority to make sure that our clients make as much money as possible, while still staying in compliance and adhering to the VA ABC Authority’s guidelines.
Expect that ABC Consulting will be the first to let you know of any changes that affect your business. And to keep up with all the changes? We’ve developed and sell our training to make sure our clients are compliant and serve legally and safely.
And you can also expect this: during the coronavirus crisis, every time that the Governor comes up with a new executive order, we’ll let you know. We are your ear to the ground with all that is alcohol, in the state of Virginia! We’re here to help you and are available for any further questions. Stay tuned to our Facebook page or our YouTube channel (new in 2020). If you have further questions about different types of licenses available to you, Seller/Server training, special-event licensing or any other questions, from the perspective of a Virginia business, pertaining to selling of alcohol – please reach out. We can answer all your questions and welcome them! Let’s talk: 800-785-0161
*Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user, or browser; ABC Consulting VA, LLC does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. The views expressed at, or through, this site are those of the individual authors’ writing in their individual capacities only. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken, based on the contents of this site, are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free. In no capacity do we represent the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, IRS, SCC or any other government agency.
