News Release

January 28, 2008
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

First Statewide ABC Community Advisory Council Meeting Held in Richmond With Great Turnout

The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) convened the first meeting of the ABC Community Advisory Council in Richmond. More than three quarters of the Advisory Council, as well as other ABC officials and interested community members attended the meeting.

The Advisory Council, whose members include ABC licensees, members of civic and government organizations and members of community associations, has been established to facilitate additional vision, insight, accountability and support to ABC through linkages and partnerships with public safety, educational and other community groups and citizens through the Commonwealth. There are four regions where the council has been formed: North, which would include the Alexandria office; South Central, which would include both of the Richmond offices; East, which would include Chesapeake and Hampton offices; and Southwest, which includes offices in Abingdon, Lynchburg, Staunton and Charlottesville. Each region will meet once a year with the option of adding meetings based on issues that arise in their communities.

The January 26 meeting for the South Central region covered discussions on new laws and regulations, reports on trouble establishments from ABC and the community, recent ABC decisions from the Hearings and Appeals division and various community issues and concerns. Special Agents in Charge (SACs) John L. Alexander (Richmond North) and Joseph L. Cannon (Richmond South) serve as chairpersons of the South Central region.

"The community policing concept this council has taken is an exciting and essential endeavor for us," said ABC Director of Enforcement Francis J. Monahan. "The turnout we received at this meeting is an example of the community's willingness to work closely with ABC. A great deal was accomplished at the first meeting and I look forward to receiving additional valuable feedback from the upcoming council meetings around the Commonwealth."

For more information about the ABC Community Advisory Council and specifics about the statewide meetings, log onto www.abc.virginia.gov, or e-mail abc_ac@abc.virginia.gov.