2024 Q1 Spirited VA - 17

into an authority. This move positioned
Virginia ABC to be more flexible and
efficient as a retailer, wholesaler and
regulator of the sale of distilled spirits.
The transition to an authority didn't
change Virginia ABC's responsibilities,
including the transfer of profits to Virginia's
general fund. Whether it's selling
distilled spirits, issuing licenses or
performing support functions, Virginia
ABC still operates a profitable business
and still promotes public safety.
Advocating for Virginians and
the Commonwealth
19431947
These
ration tickets were used from
1943-47 as alcohol was rationed for
public consumption during World War II.
As part of the war effort, distilleries were
required to stop producing consumer
alcohol and instead switched to
industrial alcohol.
After passage of the 21st Amendment,
consumer access to alcohol was very
different from today. In the 90 years
since, Virginia ABC has learned how
best to work within its mandate to serve
the Commonwealth of Virginia and its
people. It has also adapted to meet the
needs of a changing society and become
a champion in meeting its goals.
A champion of the people. As
marketplace, in part by making product
available in all retail locations throughout
the state at the same cost.
By its very nature, Virginia ABC is
unlike most state agencies because it
is tasked with regulating industries
while also operating like a business to
generate revenue through retail sales
of distilled spirits, Virginia wine and
mixers. In 2015, the General Assembly
converted Virginia ABC from an agency
the sole package retailer of liquor in
the commonwealth, Virginia ABC has
worked to provide consumers with the
products they want, in a manner that
is convenient and secure.
A 2009 customer survey indicated
that the agency was achieving its goals:
93% of store customers were very satisfied
with the service they received at
ABC stores, including prompt service,
cleanliness and attractiveness of stores
and staff responsiveness to customer
requests.
Service at Virginia ABC stores.
Barely two months after its inception in
1934, the first four ABC stores opened
in Richmond. Additional stores followed
suit across the state. Fifty stores had
opened by August, 66 by the end of
the year.
Stores began as dispensaries-a
clerk behind a counter handed the customer
the requested product. In 1969,
the first self-service store opened in
Fairfax County-Store 294 at Bailey's
Crossroads.
Initially, ABC stores observed " blue
laws, " meaning no alcohol sales on Sundays.
These blue laws were struck down
by the Virginia Supreme Court in 1988,
but it took more than 25 years before
Virginians were ready to buy alcohol on
Sundays. In 2004, ABC began to open
a few stores on Sundays. More stores
gradually followed.
An expansive product line and
information. An abundance of stores
would mean nothing without customer-pleasing
products.
In 1934, the agency carried 305
items. That number has now surpassed
3,500.
Some products have withstood the
test of 90 years' time, maintaining a
place on ABC store shelves. Bacardi Rum,
Canadian Club Whisky, Old Grand-Dad
Bourbon and more than a dozen other
familiar products are still sold today.
In addition to liquor, Virginia ABC
now offers mixers, Virginia-made wines
and other related merchandise.
Virginia ABC staff follows industry
1934
1936
After the agency's first
fiscal year, ABC stores had
grossed $12.8 million.
ABC established its first
office in the historic Central
National Bank Building at
219 East Broad Street in
Richmond.
The General Assembly
granted ABC agents full
police powers statewide.
1941
ABC's Bureau of Law
Enforcement seized an
all-time high of 1 ,771
illegal stills, ensuring
Commonwealth revenue
while supporting consumer
safety by prohibiting illicit
alcohol.
1943
ABC rationed alcohol
for public consumption
because distilleries were
required to stop operations
and concentrate on
providing industrial alcohol
for the war effort. ABC
ration tickets were used
until 1947.
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2024 17
2024 Q1 Spirited VA

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