Chapter 50. Retail Operations
3VAC5-50-10. Restrictions upon sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Except as may be otherwise permitted under subdivision 7 of § 4.1-200 of the Code of Virginia, no licensee shall sell to or allow the consumption of any alcoholic beverage on the licensed premises by any person whom the licensee knows or has reason at the time to believe is:
1. Younger than 21 years of age;
2. Intoxicated; or
3. An interdicted person.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 1, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-20. Determination of legal age of purchaser.
A. In determining whether a licensee or the licensee's employee or agent has reason to believe that a purchaser is not of legal age, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority will consider, but is not limited to, the following factors:
1. Whether an ordinary and prudent person would have reason to doubt that the purchaser is of legal age based on the general appearance, facial characteristics, behavior, and manner of the purchaser; and
2. Whether the seller demanded, was shown, and acted in good faith in reliance upon bona fide evidence of legal age, as defined in subsection B of this section, and that evidence contained a photograph and physical description consistent with the appearance of the purchaser.
B. Such bona fide evidence of legal age shall include a valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, armed forces identification card, United States passport or foreign government visa, valid special identification card issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or any valid identification issued by any other federal or state government agency, excluding student university and college identification cards, provided such identification shall contain a photograph and signature of the subject and the subject's date of birth.
C. It shall be incumbent upon the licensee or the licensee's employee or agent to scrutinize carefully the identification, if presented, and determine it to be authentic and in proper order. Identification that has been altered so as to be apparent to observation or has expired shall be deemed not in proper order.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 2, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-30. Restricted hours; exceptions.
A. The hours during which licensees shall not sell or permit to be consumed upon their licensed premises any wine, beer, or mixed beverages shall be as follows:
1. In localities where the sale of mixed beverages has been authorized:
a. For on-premises sale and consumption: 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
b. For off-premises sale: 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
2. In all other localities: 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. for on-premises sales and consumption and off-premises sales, except that on New Year's Eve the licensees shall have an additional hour in which to exercise the on-premises privileges of their licenses.
B. Exceptions to restricted hours are:
1. Club licensees: No restrictions at any time;
2. Individual licensees whose hours have been more stringently restricted by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority shall comply with such requirements; and
3. Mixed beverage casino licensees.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 3, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-40. Designated managers of licensees; appointment generally; disapproval by the authority; restrictions upon employment.
A. Each retail licensee, except a licensed individual who is on the premises, shall have a designated manager present and in actual charge of the business being conducted under the license at any time the licensed establishment is kept open for business, whether or not the privileges of the license are being exercised. The designated manager must be able to understand and communicate in the English language in a reasonably satisfactory manner. The name of the retail licensee's designated manager shall be kept posted in a conspicuous place in the establishment, in letters not less than one inch in size, during the time the designated manager is in charge.
The posting of the name of a designated manager shall qualify such person to act in that capacity until disapproved by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority).
B. The authority reserves the right to disapprove any person as a designated manager if it shall have reasonable cause to believe that any condition exists that would justify the authority in refusing to issue such person a license or in suspending or revoking a license granted to such person.
Before disapproving a designated manager, the authority shall accord such designated manager the same notice and opportunity to be heard and follow the same administrative procedures accorded a licensee cited for a violation of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia.
C. No licensee of the authority shall knowingly permit a person younger than 21 years of age, nor one who has been disapproved by the authority within the preceding 12 months, to act as designated manager of the licensee's business.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4.1-225 A 1 h of the Code of Virginia, the authority will not take action to suspend or revoke a retail license if a licensee knowingly employs a person who has been convicted in any court of a felony or of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude, except in the following two categories:
1. The authority may suspend or revoke a license if a licensee knowingly employs in the business conducted under such license, as agent, servant, or employee in a position that is involved in the selling or serving of alcoholic beverages to customers, any person who has been convicted of a felony violation of the laws of the Commonwealth prohibiting the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession of controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, counterfeit controlled substances, cannabis, or synthetic cannabinoids; driving under the influence of alcohol or other self-administered intoxicants; or a similar offense under the laws of any state, or the United States; or
2. The authority may suspend or revoke a license if a licensee knowingly employs in the business conducted under such license, as agent, servant, or employee in a position that is involved in the creation or maintenance of records required to be kept by the licensee under the provisions of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia or authority regulations or in the preparation or filing of any tax return or report required under Title 4.1 or Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia or authority regulations, any person who has been convicted of a felony violation of the laws of the Commonwealth prohibiting robbery, burglary, larceny, embezzlement, computer crimes, forgery, false pretenses, issuing bad checks, false representations to obtain property or credit, credit card forgery or fraud, or money laundering, or a similar offense under the laws of any state or the United States.
E. If a retail licensee wishes to employ a person whose employment would be covered by subdivision D 1 or D 2 of this section, or who has violated the laws of the Commonwealth, of any other state, or of the United States applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession, use, or sale of alcoholic beverages, the licensee may (i) immediately employ the individual if the offenses occurred more than five years preceding the date of employment or (ii) apply to the authority for approval of such employment if the offense occurred within five years preceding the date of employment. The authority will cause the Bureau of Law Enforcement Operations to conduct an investigation into the suitability of the person for employment and recommend approval or disapproval. Before disapproving the employment of a person, the authority shall accord the person the same notice, opportunity to be heard, and follow the same administrative procedures accorded a licensee cited for a violation of Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 4, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 25, Issue 11, eff. March 4, 2009; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-50. Restrictions upon employment of minors.
No person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail shall permit any employee younger than 18 years of age to sell, serve, or dispense in any manner any alcoholic beverage in the licensed establishment for on-premises consumption, nor shall such person permit any employee younger than 21 years of age to prepare or mix alcoholic beverages in the capacity of a bartender. "Bartender" is defined as a person who sells, serves, or dispenses alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption at a counter, as defined in 3VAC5-50-110, and does not include a person employed to serve food and drink to patrons at tables as defined in that section. However, a person who is 18 years of age or older may sell or serve beer for on-premises consumption at a counter in an establishment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 5, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 25, Issue 11, eff. March 4, 2009; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-60. Mixed beverage licensees generally; sales of spirits in closed containers; suspension of purchase privileges.
A. No mixed beverage restaurant or carrier licensee shall:
1. Serve as one drink the entire contents of a container of spirits in its original container for on-premises or off-premises consumption except (i) as provided by subsections C, D, and E of this section; or (ii) if the container of spirits contains 12.6 ounces or less and the alcohol by volume content is 15% or less.
2. Sell any mixed beverage to which grain alcohol has been added.
B. No mixed beverage restaurant licensee shall:
1. Allow any container of alcoholic beverages of a type authorized to be purchased under the license that does not bear the required mixed beverage stamp imprinted with the license number and purchase report number to be kept on the licensed premises.
2. Use in the preparation of a mixed beverage any alcoholic beverage not purchased from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority) or a wholesale wine licensee.
3. Fail to obliterate the mixed beverage stamp immediately when any container of spirits is emptied.
4. Allow any patron to possess more than two drinks of mixed beverages at any one time, except that a mixed beverage licensee may sell to a patron who may lawfully purchase mixed beverages a flight of (i) distilled spirits products consisting of samples of not more than five different spirits products or (ii) no more than five mixed beverages. Each distilled spirits product shall contain no more than one-half ounce of distilled spirits and each mixed beverage shall contain no more than one ounce of distilled spirits.
C. If a restaurant for which a mixed beverage restaurant license has been issued under § 4.1-206.3 of the Code of Virginia is located on the premises of a hotel or motel, whether the hotel or motel be under the same or different ownership, sales of mixed beverages, including sales of spirits packaged in original closed containers purchased from the authority and other alcoholic beverages, for consumption in bedrooms and private rooms of such hotel or motel, may be made by the licensee subject to the following conditions in addition to other applicable laws:
1. Spirits sold by the drink as mixed beverages or in original closed containers must have been purchased under the mixed beverage restaurant license upon purchase forms provided by the authority;
2. Delivery of sales of mixed beverages and spirits in original closed containers shall be made only to the bedroom of the registered guest or to the sponsoring group in the private room of a scheduled function. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a licensee catering a scheduled private function from delivering mixed beverage drinks to guests in attendance at such function;
3. Receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and spirits sold in original closed containers as well as other alcoholic beverages shall be included in the gross receipts from sales of all such merchandise made by the licensee; and
4. Complete and accurate records of sales of mixed beverages and sales of spirits in original closed containers to registered guests in bedrooms and to sponsors of scheduled private functions in private rooms shall be kept separate and apart from records of all mixed beverage sales.
D. Carrier licensees may serve miniatures not in excess of two fluid ounces or 50 milliliters in their original containers for on-premises consumption.
E. A mixed beverage restaurant may serve as one drink the entire contents of a container of soju in its original container for on-premises consumption under the following conditions:
1. The container may be no larger than 375 milliliters.
2. Each container of soju served must be served for consumption by at least two patrons legally eligible to consume alcoholic beverages.
F. A mixed beverage restaurant licensee may infuse, store, and sell flavored distilled spirits under the following circumstances:
1. If infused in the original spirits container, the mixed beverage stamp must remain affixed to the bottle.
2. If infused in a container other than the original spirits container, the substitute container, which shall not exceed 20 liters in volume, will be labeled with the following information:
a. Date of infusion;
b. Brand of spirits; and
c. Amount of spirits used.
3. Accurate records must be kept by the mixed beverage licensee as to the spirits used in any spirits infusion process.
4. Licensees infusing distilled spirits shall comply with all applicable state and federal food safety regulations.
G. Mixed beverage licensees may premix containers of sangria and other mixed beverages and serve such alcoholic beverages in pitchers subject to the following limitations:
1. Pitchers of mixed beverages may only be sold in containers with a maximum capacity of 32 fluid ounces or one liter if the container is in metric size containing a spirits product mixed with nonalcoholic beverages.
2. A pitcher of mixed beverages may only be served to two or more patrons. A licensee shall not allow any two patrons to possess more than one pitcher at any one time.
3. Containers of premixed sangria and other mixed beverages must be labeled as to the type of mixed beverage and the quantities of the products used to produce the mixed beverage.
4. Containers of premixed mixed beverages to be served by tapping equipment may not contain more than 20 liters in volume and must be labeled as to the type of mixed beverage and the brand and quantities of the spirits products used to produce the mixed beverage.
H. The authority may suspend the privilege of a mixed beverage licensee to purchase spirits from the authority upon such licensee's failure to submit any records or other documents necessary to verify the licensee's compliance with applicable minimum food sale requirements within 30 days of the date such records or documents are due.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 6, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 21, Issue 7, eff. February 26, 2005; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 30, Issue 11, February 26, 2014; Volume 32, Issue 20, eff. July 15, 2016; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. July 1, 2019; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-70. Restrictions on construction, arrangement and lighting of licensed premises; inspections; obstruction; "reasonable hours".
A. The construction, arrangement, and illumination of the dining areas and designated areas and the seating arrangements of a licensed establishment shall be such as to permit ready access and reasonable observation by law-enforcement officers and by special agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority). The interior lighting shall be sufficient to permit ready discernment of the appearance and conduct of patrons in all portions of such areas.
B. The authority and its special agents shall be allowed free access during reasonable hours to every place in the Commonwealth where alcoholic beverages are manufactured, bottled, stored, offered for sale, or sold for the purpose of examining and inspecting such place.
C. In addition to special agents, other law-enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties shall be allowed free access to any retail licensed establishment for the purpose of observation of activities on those licensed premises during reasonable hours.
D. Any person who by use of threats, force, or intimidation or otherwise impedes or obstructs any special agent or other law-enforcement officer in the performance of the agent's or officer's official duties from entering or remaining upon any licensed establishment shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter and shall be subject to the penalty prescribed by § 4.1-349 of the Code of Virginia.
E. For the purposes of this regulation, the term "reasonable hours" shall be deemed to include all business hours of operation and any other time at which there exists any indication of activity upon the licensed premises.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103, 4.1-111, 4.1-204, 4.1-222 and 4.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 7, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-80. Entreating, urging, or enticing patrons to overconsume prohibited.
No retail licensee shall entreat, urge, or entice any patron of the establishment to overconsume any alcoholic beverage, nor shall such licensee allow any other person to so entreat, urge, or entice a patron upon the licensed premises. Knowledge by a manager or employee of the licensee of a violation of this section shall be imputed to the licensee.
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the taking of orders in the regular course of business, the purchase of a drink by one patron for another patron as a matter of normal social intercourse, nor advertising in accordance with regulations of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 8, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 25, Issue 11, eff. March 4, 2009; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-90. Storage of alcoholic beverages generally; permits for storage; exception.
A. Alcoholic beverages shall not be stored at any premises other than those described in the license, except upon a permit issued by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
B. The licensee shall maintain at all times as a part of the records required by 3VAC5-70-90 an accurate inventory reflecting additions to and withdrawals of stock. Withdrawals shall specify:
1. The name of the person making the withdrawal who shall be the licensee or the licensee's duly authorized agent;
2. The amount withdrawn; and
3. The place to which transferred.
C. Draft beer may be stored without permit by a wholesaler at a place licensed to do a warehousing business in the Commonwealth.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103, 4.1-111 and 4.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 9, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-100. Definitions and qualifications for retail off-premises wine and beer licenses.
A. Retail off-premises wine and beer licenses as described in § 4.1-206.3 C 1 of the Code of Virginia, excluding gourmet shops, may be issued to persons operating those establishments, provided the total monthly sales and inventory (cost) of the required commodities listed in the definitions are not less than those shown:
Monthly sales......................................................... $2,000
Inventory (cost)....................................................... $2,000
B. "Gourmet shop." An establishment provided with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities where, in consideration of payment, substantial amounts of domestic and imported wines and beers of various types and sizes and related products, such as cheese and gourmet foods, are habitually furnished to persons:
Monthly sales.......................................................... $1,000
Inventory (cost)....................................................... $1,000
C. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority) may grant a license to an establishment not meeting the qualifying figures in subsections A and B of this section, provided it affirmatively appears that there is a substantial public demand for such an establishment and that public convenience will be promoted by the issuance of the license.
D. When determining the eligibility of an establishment for a license, the authority shall give consideration to, but shall not be limited to, the following:
1. The extent to which sales of required commodities are secondary or merely incidental to sales of all products sold in such establishment;
2. The extent to which a variety of edible items of the types normally found in grocery stores are sold; and
3. The extent to which such establishment is constructed, arranged, or illuminated to allow reasonable observation of the age and sobriety of purchasers of alcoholic beverages.
E. Notwithstanding subsections A through D of this section, the authority may issue a temporary license for any of the licenses listed in § 4.1-206.3 C 1 of the Code of Virginia. Such licenses may be issued only after application has been filed in accordance with § 4.1-230 of the Code of Virginia and in cases where the sole objection to issuance of a license is that the establishment will not be qualified in terms of the sale of food or edible items. If a temporary license is issued, the authority shall conduct an audit of the business after a reasonable period of operation not to exceed 180 days. Should the business be qualified, the license applied for may be issued. If the business is not qualified, the application will become the subject of a hearing if the applicant so desires. No further temporary license shall be issued to the applicant or to any other person with respect to that establishment for a period of one year from the expiration and, once the application becomes the subject of a hearing, no temporary license may be issued.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 10, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 25, Issue 11, eff. March 4, 2009; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-110. Definitions and qualifications for retail on-premises and on-premises and off-premises licenses generally; mixed beverage licensee requirements; exceptions; temporary licenses.
A. The following definitions shall apply to retail licensees with on-premises consumption privileges and mixed beverage licensees where appropriate:
1. "Bona fide, full-service restaurant" means an established place of business where meals are regularly sold to persons and that has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking, preparing, and serving such meals for consumption at tables in dining areas on the premises.
2. "Counter" means a long, narrow surface with stools or chairs along one side for the patrons, behind which refreshments or meals are prepared and served.
3. "Designated area" means a room or an area in which a licensee may exercise the privilege of the license, the location, equipment, and facilities of which room or area have been approved by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority). The facilities shall be such that patrons may purchase food prepared on the premises for consumption on the premises at substantially all times that alcoholic beverages are offered for sale.
4. "Dining area" means a public room or area in which meals are regularly sold at substantially all hours that alcoholic beverages are offered for sale.
5. "Meal" means a selection of foods for one individual, served and eaten especially at one of the customary, regular occasions for taking food during the day, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, that consists of at least one main dish of meat, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs, or other protein sources, accompanied by vegetable, fruit, grain, or starch products.
6. "Table" means an article of furniture supported by one or more vertical legs or similar supports and having a flat horizontal surface suitable for the service of meals, not immediately adjacent to the area where refreshments or meals are prepared.
B. Wine and beer. Retail on-premises or on-premises and off-premises licenses may be granted to persons operating the following types of establishments, provided that meals or other foods are regularly sold at substantially all hours that wine and beer are offered for sale and the total monthly food sales for consumption in dining areas and other designated areas on the premises are not less than those shown:
1. "Boat" (on premises only). A common carrier of passengers for which a certificate as a sight-seeing carrier by boat or a special or charter party by boat has been issued by the State Corporation Commission, habitually serving food on the boat:
Monthly sales..........................................................$2,000
2. "Restaurant." A bona fide dining establishment with special space and accommodation where, in consideration of payment, meals with entrees or other foods prepared on the premises are regularly sold:
Monthly sales..........................................................$2,000
3. "Hotel." Any duly licensed establishment provided with special space and accommodation where, in consideration of payment, meals and other food prepared on the premises and lodging are habitually furnished to persons and that has four or more bedrooms:
Monthly sales..........................................................$2,000
In regard to both restaurants and hotels, at least $1,000 of the required monthly sales must be in the form of meals.
4. "Gourmet Oyster House." Any duly licensed establishment, located on the premises of a commercial marina and permitted by the Virginia Department of Health to serve oysters and other fresh seafood for consumption on the premises, where the licensee also offers to the public events for the purpose of featuring oysters and other seafood products:
Monthly sales of oysters and other seafood…..... $2,000
C. Mixed beverage licenses. Mixed beverage restaurant licenses may be granted to persons operating bona fide, full-service restaurants.
1. Service of food in a bona fide, full-service restaurant shall consist of serving the food to the table on plates or appropriate dinnerware, accompanied by appropriate tableware. The authority may approve the issuance of a mixed beverage restaurant license to a buffet restaurant if (i) both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage service is provided at the table and (ii) actual sales show that the requirements of subdivision 2 of this subsection are met.
2. Monthly sales of food prepared on the premises of a mixed beverage restaurant licensee shall not be less than $4,000, of which at least $2,000 shall be in the form of meals.
3. A mixed beverage restaurant licensee must have at least as many seats at tables as at counters.
4. A mixed beverage restaurant licensee shall have food cooked or prepared on the licensed premises available for on-premises consumption until at least 30 minutes prior to an establishment's closing. Such food shall be available in all areas of the licensed premises in which spirits are sold or served. This provision shall not apply to mixed beverage casino licensees.
D. The authority may grant a license to an establishment not meeting the qualifying figures in this section, provided that the establishment otherwise is qualified under the applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia and this section, if it affirmatively appears that there is a substantial public demand for such an establishment and that the public convenience will be promoted by the issuance of the license.
E. Notwithstanding subsections A through D of this section, the authority may issue a temporary license for any of the retail operations in subsections A through D of this section. Such licenses may be issued only after application has been filed in accordance with § 4.1-230 of the Code of Virginia, and in cases where the sole objection to issuance of a license is that the establishment will not be qualified in terms of the sale of food or edible items. If a temporary license is issued, the authority shall conduct an audit of the business after a reasonable period of operation not to exceed 180 days. Should the business be qualified, the license applied for may be issued. If the business is not qualified, the application will become the subject of a hearing if the applicant so desires. No further temporary license shall be issued to the applicant or to any other person with respect to the establishment for a period of one year from expiration and, once the application becomes the subject of a hearing, no temporary license may be issued.
F. An outside terrace or patio, the location, equipment, and facilities of which have been approved by the authority, may be approved as a "dining area" or as a "designated area" in the discretion of the authority.
G. Limited mixed beverage licenses may be granted to persons operating restaurants as defined in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, provided that food is regularly sold at substantially all hours that alcoholic beverages are offered for sale and the total monthly food sales of food cooked or prepared on the premises for consumption in dining areas and other designated areas on the premises are not less than $2,000.
H. Wine may be served for on-premises consumption in carafes or decanters not exceeding 52 fluid ounces (1.5 liters) in capacity. Beer may be served for on-premises consumption in pitchers not exceeding 80 fluid ounces in capacity.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 11, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 18, 2013; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 8, 2020; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-120. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 12, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994.
3VAC5-50-130. Clubs; applications; qualifications; reciprocal arrangements; changes; financial statements.
A. Each applicant for a club license shall furnish the following information:
1. A certified copy of the charter, articles of association, or constitution;
2. A copy of the bylaws;
3. A list of the officers and directors showing names, addresses, ages, and business employment;
4. The current number of members. Only natural persons may be members of clubs; and
5. A financial statement for the latest calendar or fiscal year of the club and a brief summary of the financial condition as of the end of the month next preceding the date of application.
B. In determining whether an applicant qualifies under the statutory definition of a club, as well as whether a club license should be suspended or revoked, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority) will consider, but is not limited to, the following factors:
1. The club's purposes and its compliance with the purposes;
2. The club's qualification for tax-exempt status from federal and state income taxes; and
3. The club's permitted use of club premises by nonmembers, including reciprocal arrangements.
C. The club shall limit nonmember use of club premises according to this section and shall notify the authority each time the club premises are used in accordance with subdivision 1 of this subsection. The notice shall be received by the authority at least two business days in advance of any such event.
1. A licensed club may (i) hold public events at the licensed premises allowing nonmembers to attend and participate in the event at the licensed premises or (ii) allow its premises to be used by organizations or groups who obtain banquet or banquet special events licenses. The total number of such events in both categories may not exceed 24 per calendar year.
2. The number of times a nonmember may patronize a club as a guest of any member during any given period of time should be stipulated in the bylaws of the club. The licensee shall limit the number of times a nonmember may visit the club and require the nonmember to be accompanied by a club member. If at any time club occupancy consists of more nonmembers than club members, it shall be deemed a violation of this chapter unless it is a public event pursuant to this section. In the case of a homeowner's association, unlimited guest visitations may be allowed as long as the guest is accompanied by an association member.
3. A member of a licensed club may sponsor private functions on club premises for an organization or group of which the club member is also a member, such attendees being guests of the sponsoring club member. A nonmember attending a member-sponsored private function shall not be counted as a guest with respect to the club's guest restrictions.
4. There shall be no limitation on the numbers of times a licensed club may allow its premises to be used by organizations or groups if alcoholic beverages are not served at such functions.
D. Persons who are resident members of other clubs located at least 100 miles from the club licensed by the authority (the "host club") and who are accorded privileges in the host club by reason of bona fide, prearranged reciprocal arrangements between the host club and such clubs shall be considered guests of the host club and deemed to have member privileges with respect to the use of its facilities. The reciprocal arrangements shall be set out in a written agreement and approved by the authority prior to the exercise of the privileges of the agreement.
The mileage limitations of this subsection notwithstanding, members of private, nonprofit clubs or private clubs operated for profit located in separate cities that are licensed by the authority to operate mixed beverage restaurants on their respective premises and that have written agreements approved by the authority for reciprocal dining privileges may be considered guests of the host club and deemed to have member privileges with respect to its dining facilities.
E. Any change in the officers and directors of a club shall be reported to the authority within 30 days, and a certified copy of any change in the charter, articles of association, or bylaws shall be furnished to the authority within 30 days thereafter.
F. Each club licensee shall prepare and sign an annual financial statement on forms prescribed by the authority. The statement may be on a calendar year or fiscal year basis but shall be consistent with any established tax year of the club. The statement must be prepared and available for inspection on the club premises no later than 120 days next following the last day of the respective calendar or fiscal year, and each such statement must be maintained on the premises for a period of three consecutive years. In addition, each club holding a mixed beverage license shall be required to prepare and timely submit the mixed beverage annual review report required by 3VAC5-70-90 D.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 13, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 25, Issue 11, eff. March 4, 2009; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-140. Prohibited conduct on licensed premises.
A. The following conduct upon any licensed premises is prohibited:
1. The real or simulated display of any portion of the genitals, pubic hair, or buttocks or any portion of the breast below the top of the areola by any employee or any other person, except that when entertainers are on a platform or stage and reasonably separated from the patrons of the establishment, they shall be in conformity with subdivision 2 of this subsection;
2. The real or simulated display of any portion of the genitals, pubic hair, or anus by an entertainer or any portion of the areola of the breast of a female entertainer. When not on a platform or stage and reasonably separate from the patrons of the establishment, entertainers shall be in conformity with subdivision 1 of this subsection;
3. Any real or simulated act of sexual intercourse, sodomy, masturbation, flagellation, or any other sexual act prohibited by law, by any person, whether an entertainer or not; or
4. The fondling or caressing by any person, whether an entertainer or not, of the person's own or of another's breast, genitals, or buttocks.
As used in this section, the term "reasonably separated" shall mean that no portion of the body of an entertainer may come in contact with any portion of the body of a patron.
B. No mixed beverage licensee shall permit any person connected with the licensed business in any capacity to enter or remain on the premises with less than a fully opaque covering of the genitals, pubic hair, or buttocks or any portion of the breast below the top of the areola. For the purposes of this subsection, "connected with the licensed business" shall mean (i) any owner, partner, member, manager, agent, or employee of the licensed business; (ii) any entertainer or other contractor with the licensed business; or (iii) any participant in any contest, display, or other event conducted by or at the invitation of the licensed business.
C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons operating theaters, concert halls, art centers, museums, or similar establishments that are primarily devoted to the arts or theatrical performances, when the performances that are presented are expressing matters of serious literary, artistic, scientific, or political value.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 14, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 25, Issue 11, eff. March 4, 2009; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-150. Off-premises deliveries on licensed retail premises; "drive through" establishments.
No person holding a license that authorizes the licensee to sell wine or beer at retail for consumption off the premises shall deliver such wine or beer to a person on the licensed premises other than in the licensed establishment. Deliveries of such merchandise to persons through windows, apertures, or similar openings at "drive through" or similar establishments, whether the persons are in vehicles or otherwise, shall not be construed to have been made in the establishments. No sale or delivery of such merchandise shall be made to a person who is seated in a vehicle. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, such deliveries may be made to (i) a person's vehicle if located in a designated parking area of the licensee's premises where such person has electronically ordered beer, wine, or farm wine in advance of the delivery or (ii) such other locations as may be permitted by Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority regulation.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 15, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-160. Happy hour and related promotions; definitions; exceptions.
A. Definitions. The following words and terms when used in this section shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
1. "Happy hour" means a specified period of time during which alcoholic beverages are sold at prices reduced from the customary price established by a retail licensee.
2. "Drink" means any beverage containing the amount of alcoholic beverages customarily served to a patron as a single serving by a retail licensee.
B. A licensee may advertise its happy hour so long as the advertising does not tend to induce minors or other interdicted individuals to drink or encourage persons to consume to excess.
C. No retail licensee shall engage in any of the following practices:
1. Conducting a happy hour between 9 p.m. of each day and 2 a.m. of the following day;
2. Increasing the volume of alcoholic beverages contained in a drink without increasing proportionately the customary or established retail price charged for such drink;
3. Selling two or more drinks for one price, such as "two for one" or "three for one";
4. Selling an unlimited number of drinks for one price, such as "all you can drink for $5.00"; or
5. Establishing a customary retail price for any drink at a markup over cost significantly less than that applied to other beverages of similar type, quality, or volume.
D. This section shall not apply to prearranged private parties, functions, or events, not open to the public, where the guests thereof are served in a room designated and used exclusively for private parties, functions, or events.
E. This section is subject to and shall be adhered to in a manner consistent with all other regulations of the authority.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 16, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 30, Issue 9, eff. January 29, 2014; Volume 32, Issue 20, eff. July 15, 2016; Volume 36, Issue 4, eff. November 15, 2019.
3VAC5-50-170. Caterer's license; qualifications; privileges; restrictions and conditions.
A. Pursuant to § 4.1-206.3 A 2 of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority) may grant a caterer's license to any person:
1. Engaged on a regular basis in the business of providing food and beverages to persons for service at private gatherings, or at special events as defined in § 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia or as provided in § 4.1-206.3 A 3 of the Code of Virginia; and
2. With an established place of business with catering gross sales averaging at least $4,000 per month and who has complied with the requirements of the local governing body concerning sanitation, health, construction, or equipment and who has obtained all local permits or licenses that may be required to conduct such a catering business.
B. The license authorizes the following privileges:
1. The purchase of spirits, vermouth, and wine produced by farm wineries from the authority;
2. The purchase of wine and cider from licensed wholesalers or farm wineries or the purchase of beer from licensed wholesalers;
3. The retail sale of alcoholic beverages to persons who sponsor the private gatherings or special events described in subsection A of this section or directly to persons in attendance at such events. No banquet or mixed beverage special events license is required in either case; and
4. The storage of alcoholic beverages purchased by the caterer at the established and approved place of business.
C. In addition to other applicable statutes and regulations of the authority, the following restrictions and conditions apply to persons licensed as caterers:
1. Alcoholic beverages may be sold only for on-premises consumption to persons in attendance at the gathering or event;
2. The records required to be kept by 3VAC5-70-90 shall be maintained by caterers. If the caterer also holds other alcoholic beverage licenses, the caterer shall maintain the records relating to the caterer's business separately from the records relating to any other license. Additionally, the records shall include the date, time, and place of the event and the name and address of the sponsoring person or group of each event catered;
3. The annual gross receipts from the sale of food cooked and prepared for service at gatherings and events referred to in this chapter, and nonalcoholic beverages served there shall amount to at least 45% of the gross receipts from the sale of mixed beverages and food;
4. The caterer shall notify the authority in writing at least 24 hours in advance of any events to be catered under the license. For events to be catered on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays on which the authority's offices are closed, such notice shall be given by close of the last business day prior to the event. The notice shall include the date, time, location, and address of the event and the name of the sponsoring person, group, corporation, or association;
5. Persons in attendance at a private event at which alcoholic beverages are served but not sold under the caterer's license may keep and consume their own lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages;
6. The private gathering referred to in subsection A of this section shall be a social function that is attended only by persons who are specifically and individually invited by the sponsoring person or organization, not by the caterer;
7. The licensee shall ensure that all functions at which alcoholic beverages are sold are ones that qualify for a banquet license, a special event license, or a mixed beverage special events license. Licensees are entitled to all services and equipment available under a banquet license from wholesalers;
8. A photocopy of the caterer's license must be present at all events at which the privileges of the license are exercised; and
9. The caterer's license shall be considered a retail license for purposes of § 4.1-216 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 17, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 18, Issue 23, eff. August 28, 2002; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-180. Volunteer fire departments or volunteer rescue squads; banquet facility licenses; restrictions and conditions.
A. Pursuant to § 4.1-206.3 D 2 b of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority) may grant banquet facility licenses to volunteer fire departments and volunteer rescue squads:
1. Providing volunteer fire or rescue squad services;
2. Having as its premises a fire or rescue squad station regularly occupied by such fire department or rescue squad; and
3. Being duly recognized by the governing body of the city, county, or town in which it is located.
B. In addition to other applicable statutes and regulations of the authority, the following restrictions and conditions apply to persons holding such banquet facility licenses:
1. The volunteer fire department or rescue squad shall notify the authority in writing at least two calendar days in advance of any affair or event at which the license will be used away from the fire department or rescue squad station. The notice shall include the date, time, location, and address of the event and the identity of the group and the affair or event. Such records of off-site affairs and events should be maintained at the fire department or rescue squad station for a period of two years;
2. A photocopy of the banquet facility license shall be present at all affairs or events at which the privileges of the license are exercised away from the fire or rescue squad station; and
3. The fire department or rescue squad shall comply with the requirements of the local governing body concerning sanitation, health, construction, or equipment and shall obtain all local permits or licenses that may be required to exercise the privileges of its license.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 18, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-190. Bed and breakfast licenses; restrictions and conditions.
In addition to other applicable statutes and regulations of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, the following restrictions and conditions apply to persons licensed as bed and breakfast establishments:
1. Alcoholic beverages served under the privileges conferred by the license must be purchased from a government store, wine or beer wholesaler, or farm winery;
2. Alcoholic beverages may be served for on-premises consumption to persons who are registered, overnight guests and are of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages;
3. Lodging, meals, and service of alcoholic beverages shall be provided at one general price and no additional charges, premiums, or surcharges shall be exacted for the service of alcoholic beverages;
4. Alcoholic beverages may be served in dining areas, private guest rooms, and other designated areas, including outside terraces or patios;
5. The bed and breakfast establishment, upon request or order of lodgers making overnight reservations, may purchase and have available for the lodger upon arrival any alcoholic beverages so ordered, provided that no premium or surcharge above the purchase price of the alcoholic beverages may be exacted from the consumer for this accommodation purchase;
6. Alcoholic beverages purchased under the license may not be commingled or stored with the private stock of alcoholic beverages belonging to owners of the bed and breakfast establishment; and
7. The bed and breakfast establishment shall maintain complete and accurate records of the purchases of alcoholic beverages and provide sufficient evidence that at least one meal per day is offered to persons to whom overnight lodging is provided.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 19, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-200. Gift shops; wine and beer off-premises licenses; conditions; records; inspections.
The following restrictions and conditions apply to gift shop licensees:
1. Gift shop licenses shall be granted only to persons who have places of business that have been in operation for no less than 12 continuous months next preceding the filing of the application.
2. Gift shop licenses shall authorize the licensees to sell wine and beer that have been purchased from and received at the establishment from farm winery or wholesale licensees to sell such alcoholic beverages only within the interior premises of the gift shop in closed containers for off-premises consumption and to deliver or ship the same to purchasers thereof in accordance with Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia and regulations of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority).
3. In granting licenses under this chapter, the authority may impose restrictions and conditions upon purchases and sales of wine and beer in accordance with this chapter or as may be deemed reasonable by the authority to ensure that the distribution of alcoholic beverages is orderly, lawful, and only incidental to the principal business of the licensee. In no event may the sale of such alcoholic beverages exceed 25% of total annual gross sales at the establishment.
4. Every person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages under this chapter shall comply with 3VAC5-70-90.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 20, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-210. Manner of compensation of employees of retail licensees.
Employees of a retail licensee shall not receive compensation based directly, in whole or in part, upon the volume of alcoholic beverages sales only; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a bona fide compensation plan based upon the total volume of sales of the business, including receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103, 4.1-111, and 4.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 21, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-220. Interests in the businesses of licensees.
Persons to whom licenses have been issued shall not allow any other person to receive a percentage of the income of the licensed business or have any beneficial interest in such business; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit:
1. The payment by the licensee of a franchise fee based in whole or in part upon a percentage of the entire gross receipts of the business conducted upon the licensed premises, where such is reasonable as compared to prevailing franchise fees of similar businesses;
2. Where the licensed business is conducted upon leased premises, and the lease when construed as a whole does not constitute a shift or device to evade the requirements of this section:
a. The payment of rent based in whole or in part upon a percentage of the entire gross receipts of the business, where such rent is reasonable as compared to prevailing rentals of similar businesses; and
b. The landlord from imposing standards relating to the conduct of the business upon the leased premises, where such standards are reasonable as compared to prevailing standards in leases of similar businesses and do not unreasonably restrict the control of the licensee over the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages; or
3. The payment by the licensee of a management fee based in whole or in part upon a percentage of the entire gross receipts of the business conducted under the license where the licensee has contracted with a management company or promoter to perform operational duties on behalf of the licensee, provided that:
a. All payments to any management company or promoter are less than 10% in aggregate of the gross receipts of the business conducted under the license; and
b. The licensee provides the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (authority) a copy of the contract between the licensee and the management company or promoter that identifies the management company or promoter as an agent of the licensee for the purposes of exercising the privileges of the license and holds the licensee liable for any violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (§ 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia) or authority regulation committed by the management company or promoter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR125-01-5 § 22, eff. December 12, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 4, Issue 6, January 21, 1988; Volume 5, Issue 2, eff. November 24, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 4, eff. December 19, 1990; Volume 8, Issue 6, eff. January 15, 1992; Volume 9, Issue 6, eff. January 13, 1993; Volume 10, Issue 11, eff. March 23, 1994; Volume 38, Issue 9, eff. February 7, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-230. Dessert wines.
For the purposes of § 4.1-206.3 A 6 of the Code of Virginia, "dessert wines" shall mean any wine having an alcohol content of more than 14% by volume, any wine whose label contains a statement that it contains more than 2.0% residual sugar, or any wine described on its label as a "dessert," "late harvest," or "ice" wine.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022.
3VAC5-50-240. Alcoholic beverage displays.
Any establishment licensed to sell beer or wine for off-premises consumption and that displays beer and wine for sale outside of a clearly discernible location reserved for alcoholic beverage products shall (i) place no alcoholic beverages immediately adjacent to any nonalcoholic beverages containing the same or similar brand name, logo, or packaging and (ii) install additional signage on the shelving or the floor display to indicate that the product is an alcoholic beverage. Such signage shall be clearly visible to consumers and of sufficient size to notify the consumer of the alcohol contents of the product. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sale and display of nonalcoholic beer or wine in the same display or near similarly branded alcoholic beer or wine products.
Statutory Authority
§§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 7, eff. January 20, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-250. Confectionery; definition; restrictions; labeling.
A. "Confectionery" means baked goods and candies having an alcohol content not more than 5.0% by volume.
B. Any alcohol contained in such confectionery shall not be in liquid form at the time such confectionery is sold. Such alcohol shall be fully integrated or blended into the confectionery product.
C. Any such confectionery shall only be sold to those individuals who can lawfully consume alcohol.
D. Subsections A, B, and C of this section shall only apply to licenses issued pursuant to § 4.1-206.3 C 3 of the Code of Virginia.
E. Any establishment licensed to sell confectioneries for off-premises consumption shall properly label the product with such label, including:
1. Notice that the product contains alcohol;
2. Notice that the product can only be consumed off premises; and
3. Warning that the product should not be consumed by anyone younger than 21 years of age.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-103 and 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. July 23, 2020; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
3VAC5-50-260. Marketplace license; qualifications; application.
A. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
1. "Bona fide customer" means a patron of the business enterprise that is seeking to obtain the goods or services of the licensee.
2. "Personalized experience" means goods or services catered to the specifications of an individual or event.
B. The marketplace license is a retail license. A premises described in an application for a marketplace license shall be subject to any regulations and requirements that apply to licensed premises upon which alcoholic beverages may be sold at retail for on-premises consumption. The employees who are involved in the marketplace licensee's service of complimentary alcoholic beverages shall be subject to the regulations and requirements that apply to employees of licensed establishments selling wine or beer at retail. A marketplace licensee's alcoholic beverage control manager shall be subject to the same regulations and requirements as designated managers of licensed establishments selling wine or beer at retail.
C. Marketplace licensees shall be subject to all requirements of 3VAC5-70-90 that apply to licensed premises upon which beer or wine may be sold at retail. In addition, every marketplace licensee shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records of the complimentary service of alcoholic beverages. Such records shall include accurate accounts of daily service of alcoholic beverages, by the drink, showing the kinds and quantities of alcoholic beverages served.
D. In addition to the requirements in § 4.1-206.3 E of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may also consider other requirements for licensure that the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority may deem appropriate to protect the public health, safety, and welfare based on a review of the application and determinations of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, Bureau of Law Enforcement during the investigation of the applicant.
Statutory Authority
§ 4.1-111 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2022; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 11, eff. February 12, 2025.
Forms (3VAC5-50)
Banquet License(s)-Instruction and Application, #805‑4 (eff. 7/93).
Application for License, #805‑52 (eff. 7/93).
Financial and Statistical Information: Club Type License, #805‑56 (eff. 4/92).