Virginia To Consider Ending State-Run Liquor Stores

Virginia House Bill 328 would require Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control to close down state-run liquor stores, essentially allowing independently-run liquor stores to open up in their place.

"Prohibition ended nearly 90 years ago. There is absolutely no reason to maintain a state monopoly on the sale of alcohol. That's why I just introduced legislation to abolish the ABC system in Virginia." - Delegate Nick Freitas of Virginia

Virginia is one of the 17 states that still has a tight control on the selling of alcoholic beverages. The other 33 states, leave the sell of alcoholic beverages to independent retailers that have regulated liquor licenses. In California, the state constitution makes it it illegal for government agencies to make or sell alcoholic beverages.

The states that still have a monopoly on beer, wine, or liquor are Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

If this bill passes, it would be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to expand in a market where they have little to no competition once Virginia ABC begins closing down their stores.