Retail Licensee Resources

Welcome to the retail licensee resources section of our website, designed to support licensed establishments in understanding and following Virginia's ABC laws and regulations. Thank you for joining us in a continuing focus on public safety. 

Zero Tolerance for Underage Consumption

Whether you are a new licensee or a seasoned establishment professional, we cannot stress enough your important role in the community. The selling and serving of alcoholic beverages is a business that is subject to higher legal and social accountability than almost any other industry. As a licensee, you are responsible for maintaining a safe, regulated business and shoulder many responsibilities, including preventing underage sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Virginia ABC has a strict "zero tolerance" policy for underage consumption and looks to you to aggressively avoid these sales. Read more about avoiding underage sales.

Contact Your ABC Special Agent

Special agents are the primary resource for questions related to operating a business with an ABC license. Contact a special agent via your regional ABC office.

Happy Hour Promotion Changes

Many restaurants used to get this question daily: “Why don’t you list your happy hour times on your website?” The answer was—they couldn’t. This changed in 2014, when Virginia ABC received final approval on a regulations change. (View news release.) Restaurants can now publicize happy hour and the time span of their drink specials in any medium, including print and broadcast advertising, social media and online. Read more about happy hour advertising.

"Do Not Sell" Stickers

"Do Not Sell" stickers are easy-to-read tools to help businesses prevent sales to underage individuals. They are sent annually to every retail licensee in the Commonwealth. Request additional copies.