RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia ABC Bureau of Law enforcement announces that alcoholic beverages are now available for to-go or delivery, in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Northam announced Saturday that all restaurants, fitness centers and theaters not following the order of no more than 10 people can be charged with a misdemeanor and can lose their operating permit on the spot.
In response to Governor Northam's order, Virginia ABC adjusts its regulations for businesses with on-premise privileges to carry alcohol such as restaurants.
The sale of wine and beer in sealed containers is now allowed for curbside pickup or delivery. Distillery stores may deliver products to customers seated in their vehicle on the premises or in the parking lot of the distillery.
These changes will remain in effect as long as Governor Northam's Executive Order 51 still remains, Virginia ABC says.
On Tuesday, March 24, Virginia ABC announced it will reduce operating hours at all of its stores statewide beginning Friday, March 27, due to growing concerns over the pandemic.
Like the reduced store hours already in place for 24 Virginia ABC retail outlets in Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg as well as the James City and York Counties, ABC’s remaining 364 stores across the Commonwealth will be open from noon to 7 p.m., seven days a week, starting Friday, March 27.
Reducing the time the stores will be open to customers allows staff time to stock shelves, as well as clean and thoroughly disinfect store surfaces to protect employees and customers. The limited operating hours will also enable more flexibility in staffing.
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“Given the expanding nature of the coronavirus to other areas of the commonwealth, after consulting with the Virginia Department of Health, we believe these adjustments to our business practices will reinforce measures already in place to keep everyone safe and mitigate the impact of this virus on our employees and customers,” said Virginia ABC Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill.
Customers can practice social distancing and reduce time spent in stores by placing their order online here.
“Virginia ABC is committed to serving individual customers and licensed businesses by keeping its retail stores open for as long as we can safely do so. Please limit your store visits to purchase distilled spirits, when possible, and help us keep you, our store staff and others safe and healthy,” Hill added.
On March 19, in an abundance of caution, ABC closed store 182, located at 1217 West Broad Street in downtown Richmond after the roommate of an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Both remain at home in quarantine. The store will be closed for an expected two weeks.
During that time, the store will undergo a thorough deep cleaning and sanitization. The remaining employees at this store have been asked to self-quarantine for two weeks.
As of March 24, no ABC employees have tested positive for COVID-19
