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Retail 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.

Detecting Fake IDs

There is no legal requirement that a customer show identification, but the best way to verify the customer's age is to request picture identification. Read more.
ABC special agent visiting a licensed establishment

Contacting a Special Agent

Virginia ABC special agents are your primary resource for all questions related to operating a licensed establishment. Read more.

Happy Hour Advertising

“Happy hour” is defined as a specified period of time during which alcoholic beverages are sold at prices reduced from the customary price established by a retail licensee. Read more.
Point of Sale Stickers

"Do Not Sell" Stickers

These stickers help businesses prevent sales to underage individuals. They are sent annually to every retail licensee in the Commonwealth. Request additional copies.
 
Publication for ABC Licensees

Licensee Guide

As a licensee, you are responsible for maintaining a safe, regulated business and shoulder many responsibilities which include preventing underage sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This publication was designed to support you in understanding the facts of alcohol education and prevention and Virginia ABC’s laws and regulations. Download the PDF or order printed copies using the Publication Order Form.

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.
 
Licensee Masthead
 
Sign up for the Licensee e-newsletter to stay informed about selling and serving alcohol in Virginia.
 

Contact Your 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.

Submit MBAR

Submit your Mixed Beverage Annual Review (MBAR) to fulfill requirements to report food-beverage ratio. View instructions for completing MBARs and inventory reports by mail (PDF).
Learn more about MBARs and food-beverage ratio.

Place Orders Online

Place your orders online 24/7; view present and future discounting; and receive email notifications about your order status. View the user's guide (PDF).

Licensee Search

Find retail and banquet licensees by license number and other criteria, online or via download.
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