Four new ABC-related laws take effect

Four laws impacting the operation of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, its licensees, and applicants for ABC licenses went into effect July 1.The Virginia General Assembly passed the ABC-related legislation during the 2023 session, and all the bills have been signed into law.

The four new laws affect crossover product rules, employment restrictions, the seasonal marketplace license fee, and local alcohol safety action boards.

The crossover product law (HB 1979 and SB 809) establishes guidelines for licensees regarding the display of alcoholic beverages near non-alcoholic beverages of the same or similar branding, logo or packaging. The new law was created to address innovative “crossover products” that contain alcohol and may cause consumer confusion or appeal to an underage audience.

HB 2370 and SB 841 modified the jurisdiction and composition of local alcohol safety action boards, while HB 1730 relaxed employment restrictions, streamlining the process for licensees to hire individuals with a felony conviction. HB 2336 lowered the annual state license fee from $1,000 to $500 and the annual local license tax from $200 to $100 for marketplace licenses, when licensing privileges are exercised for six or less consecutive months, if such a period is specified prior to the beginning of the license year.

For details, visit https://www.abc.virginia.gov.