Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
Board
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of Directors
 
chapter
Retail Operations [3 VAC 5 ‑ 50]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description This chapter sets forth the qualifications for obtaining a retail license for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages and regulates the operation of licensed retail businesses.
State Authority Title 4.1, Code of Virginia
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To prescribe reasonable minimum qualifications for holders of retail licenses; and
2. To promote the public health, safety, and welfare by reasonably regulating retail alcoholic beverage sales so as to prevent sales to those under the legal age or intoxicated, and to discourage over-consumption.

Meetings See all meetings (5) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: LaTonya D. Hucks-Watkins  / Senior Legal Counsel
Address: 7450 Freight Way
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Email Address: latonya.hucks-watkins@virginiaabc.com
Telephone: (804)213-4698    FAX: (804)213-4574    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Chapter 50 Regulatory Reform and Periodic Review Proposed Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security review in progress.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Food Exception for Mixed Beverage Casino Licensees
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/09/2022.
Percentage-based payments Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/07/2022.
License Reform Regulation Amendments
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/01/2022.
Marketplace License Regulation
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/01/2022.
Confectionery License Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/23/2020.
30 Minute Rule for Mixed Beverage Licensees Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/08/2020.
Biometric Identification Fast-Track Stage withdrawn on 12/19/2019 before DPB authorized for Fast-Track status.
Happy Hour Advertising Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/15/2019.
Suspension of Purchase Privileges
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2019.
Implementing Two Legislative Mandates: Happy Hour and Related Promotions; Definitions; Exceptions Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/15/2016.
Implementing legislative mandates: Mixed Beverage Practices - Retail Operations Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/15/2016.
Updating Retail Operations Regulations as a Result of Periodic Review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/29/2014.
Infusion of Distilled Spirits by Mixed Beverage Licensees Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/26/2014.
Gourmet Oyster House Food Requirements Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/18/2013.
Alcoholic Energy Drinks Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/20/2011.
Definition of Dessert Wines Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/16/2011.
Clarifying and Simplifying Retailer Regulations Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/04/2009.
Caterer Reports
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/28/2002.
Sale of Soju by the Bottle Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/26/2005.
Retail Operations NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 02/28/2001 after the comment period had ended.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
New Regulation Prohibiting Disorderly Conduct on Licensed Premises Emergency/NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 09/27/2011 after the comment period had ended.
Nudity and Related Activity on Licensed Premises Proposed Stage withdrawn on 10/02/2008 before DPB completed its review.
New regulation regulating noise emanating from licensed establishments NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 06/05/2008 after the comment period had ended.
Nudity and Related Activity on Licensed Premises
Changes Resulting from Periodic Review NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 08/11/2006 after the comment period had ended.
Lewd or Disorderly Conduct Emergency Stage withdrawn on 07/30/2004 before the Governor's office completed its review.
Designated Manager Posting and Caterer Reports NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 05/01/2001 before the Secretary's office completed its review.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
2/28/2019 Agency Completed Retain As Is
9/27/2011 Agency Completed Amend
1/26/2004 Agency Completed Amend