Store FAQs

What precautions are stores taking for customer safety during COVID-19?

We have implemented multiple measures during the pandemic. Please see our COVID-19 page for more information.

Who determines when to close stores during bad weather?

Decisions to close Virginia ABC stores during emergency situations, including inclement weather, are made by the regional manager. Regional managers communicate with individual store managers to gather additional information on local conditions as necessary. When determining whether to open a store or close a store early, regional and store managers will consider such things as the operating hours of nearby businesses, consumer demand, road conditions in the area and forecasted weather. Safety of our individual employees is top priority when deciding whether to open or close a store, with customer service being a very close second. As a sole-source retailer, Virginia ABC strives to provide the best and most convenient service to our retail and licensee customers, and will make every effort to have each store open for some portion of each day as conditions warrant, although that is not always possible. Please contact your store directly to inquire about changes to operating hours with the understanding that during unpredictable situations, circumstances may change quickly.

Who hires the store employees?

Applicants for store positions must apply online. Your application will be submitted to the regional office and made available to store managers throughout your area. You may contact individual ABC stores about job openings, but applications must still be submitted online. All applicants will undergo a criminal background check prior to hiring consideration.

How does a licensee get assigned to a store?

Licensees are assigned to stores by the special agent responsible for the establishment. Licensees are able to change their assigned store at any time, for any reason. Initial assignment is based on factors such as convenience for the licensee and/or availability of product at a particular location.

Who determines which products are carried in each store?

Product selection is driven by customer sales. Products can be sent to any store at a customer’s request.

How are the locations for stores selected?

Virginia ABC weighs a number of factors when determining the location for new stores and expanding customer access. These include a location’s demographics, traffic patterns, rental rate and population density. It also considers the distance of a location to existing stores, sales at those stores, tenant mix at the shopping center, and the accessibility and deliverability to the location. This process has led to the creation of more than 390 stores throughout the commonwealth, with 92 percent of Virginians living only 10 minutes from a Virginia ABC store.

How do I obtain approval to fundraise or post educational materials at Virginia ABC stores?

Virginia ABC values the contributions of volunteers, community groups and organizations that educate the community on responsible and healthy behaviors related to alcohol as well as those that raise funds for important causes in the counties and cities we serve. Therefore, Virginia ABC will allow city and county operated behavioral health agencies and 501(c) 3 charitable organizations to apply online for an opportunity to display educational materials or to fundraise for local causes outside of Virginia ABC owned retail stores. See store fundraising and display information.