VirginiaHB3852026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Alcoholic beverage control; operation of government stores, tastings.

Sponsored By: Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31 (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Alcoholic beverage control; operation of government stores; tastings. Allows an authorized employee of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to conduct an organized tasting event at a government store. The bill also clarifies that any products used in connection with distilled spirits as approved by the Board may be sold at government stores. The bill also removes the option to obtain a permit to purchase certain grain spirits or alcohol with a proof greater than 151 from government stores for commercial or culinary use.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.

State store pricing and 45-day notice

The Authority sets wholesale and retail prices for items in state stores. It may adjust prices for store costs and market competition and offer retail discounts or volume deals. It may sell to federal sites at different prices. Before raising the distilled‑spirits markup or changing the formula in a way that increases retail prices, it gives at least 45 days’ public notice, accepts written comments, holds a public meeting, and considers those comments.

Distillery agent sales with 20% commission

The Board may appoint licensed distillers to sell as its agents at stores on the distillery site or at Board‑licensed events. The Authority pays those distillers at least 20% of the retail price as commission on their agent sales. The Board may approve monthly electronic transfers limited to taxes and markups due. Any case fee to move spirits to the tasting area on the premises is waived if the distillery’s employees move it. “Blended” includes spirits a distiller receives and then ages more, uses in a low‑alcohol cooler, or bottles. Agent sites may stock up to 10 varieties of spirits or vermouth not made on site, and must buy those from the Board.

Easier store buying for licensees

For licensee purchases at state stores, the Authority accepts cash, electronic transfer, credit or debit cards, or a check in the exact amount. The Authority must tell licensees which store they are assigned to and how to choose a different store.

Preference for small farm wineries

For wine or cider in state stores, the Board may favor farm wineries that make 2,500 cases or less per year. This helps small wineries get shelf space and sales.

Paying at state liquor stores

For consumer purchases, the Authority accepts cash for any purchase or series of purchases. The Board may also let stores take credit and debit cards and allow related card fees or service charges.

Tastings allowed with strict sample limits

You cannot drink in a state store except during an organized tasting run by an authorized employee or producer representative. A single sample can be up to 4 oz beer, 2 oz wine or cider, or 0.5 oz spirits (1.5 oz in a mixed drink). Daily caps are 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, and 3 oz spirits, and the store must track how much spirits each person tastes. Mixed‑drink samples must be at least 75% alcohol made on the same or a contiguous premises. The Board writes tasting guidelines.

What state liquor stores sell and limits

The Virginia ABC Board operates state liquor stores where it chooses. These stores sell spirits, nonalcoholic spirit alternatives, farm‑winery wine, low‑alcohol coolers, vermouth, mixers, garnishes, and approved tourism products. All alcohol is sold in closed, sealed containers with Board labels. Very high‑proof neutral spirits (over 151 proof) are not sold to the public, unless the Board issues a permit for industrial, commercial, cooking, or medical use.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 209 • No: 8

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 38 • No: 1

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Reported from Rehabilitation and Social Services

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 91 • No: 5

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from General Laws with amendment(s)

Yes: 20 • No: 1

House vote 1/20/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)

Yes: 8 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0128)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 128 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB385)

    2/26/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB385ER)

    2/26/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    2/26/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    2/26/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/26/2026House
  10. Passed Senate (38-Y 1-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/24/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/23/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/23/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Rehabilitation and Social Services (15-Y 0-N)

    2/20/2026Senate
  16. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB385)

    2/5/2026House
  17. Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services

    1/29/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/29/2026Senate
  19. Read third time and passed House (91-Y 5-N 0-A)

    1/28/2026House
  20. Engrossed by House as amended

    1/27/2026House
  21. committee amendments agreed to

    1/27/2026House
  22. Read second time

    1/27/2026House
  23. Read first time

    1/26/2026House
  24. Fiscal Impact statement From DPB (1/26/2026 11:07 am)

    1/26/2026House
  25. Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (20-Y 1-N)

    1/22/2026House

Bill Text

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