Story Ideas

In fiscal year 2007, the Public Affairs Division responded to 689 media inquiries. Based on research from calls, the topics listed below reflect general media interest about the agency.

Underage Buyer Program: The Underage Buyer (UB) Program is an ongoing effort by ABC to visit alcohol and tobacco retailers throughout the Commonwealth to verify compliance with the state age requirements---18 for tobacco and 21 for alcohol sales. Candidates must be 15-17 years of age to qualify for the tobacco program and 17-19 years of age for the alcohol program. You may be interested in interviewing a special agent, or requesting compliance statistics.

Environmental Stewardship: Environmental Stewardship is an important element of the Governor's Scorecard requirements for each state agency. ABC consumes over 18 tons of paper in the Central Office and ships over 1,400 tons of cardboard boxes from our warehouse each year; with that level of impact, the agency has an obligation to reduce our contribution to Virginia's waste stream. You may be interested to learn how ABC's green efforts are being implemented.

Product Sales: At the close of fiscal year 2007, ABC carried 2,361 active items on its price list. The top 50 brands sold in fiscal year accounted for almost 60 percent of total sales. The top five brands of spirits sold in Virginia ABC stores during Fiscal Year 2007 include: Jack Daniel's 7 Black Tennessee Whiskey, Jim Beam Straight Bourbon, Grey Goose Vodka-Imported, Seagram's Crown Royal Canadian Whisky and Absolut Vodka-Imported. You may be interested in requesting sales figures for the city or county you cover.