NoVA Stores Reopen

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) today reopened 12 of its Northern Virginia area retail outlets which were closed last month in an effort to consolidate operations in one of the most impacted regions of the commonwealth during this ongoing health crisis.

“We are gratified to have adequate staffing to reopen these stores following their closure as part of consolidating operations in response to COVID-19. Our employees have been tremendous throughout this response in how they’ve maintained stores and brought on new team members,” said ABC Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “Our top priority continues to be instituting operational measures to keep our customers and employees safe.”

Those measures now include mandatory use of face masks by store employees and the installation of Plexiglas shields at registers. ABC stores undergo daily cleaning and sanitizing with particular attention to most frequented areas such as checkout counters and employee bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces such as door handles and knobs. Hand sanitizer is available at registers for customer and employee use.  

ABC stores limit the number of customers in the store at one time to no more than 10 to encourage social distancing and have markers to ensure customers stand at least six feet apart from one another. In addition, many stores are providing modified counter service where customers stand at a safe distance from others at the front of the store while ABC employees retrieve products at their request.

All ABC stores currently operating across the commonwealth are open from noon to 7 p.m., seven days a week. The reduced operating hours allow staffing flexibility as well as more time for employees to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and stock shelves. Customers can practice social distancing and reduce time spent in stores by placing their order online at www.abc.virginia.gov. For more information about Virginia ABC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.abc.virginia.gov/covid-19.

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The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing more than $2.2 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Virginia ABC currently operates 388 state stores, and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees more than 18,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 86th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

 Web:  www.abc.virginia.gov    Facebook: @VirginiaABC    Twitter: @VirginiaABC