Distilled spirits laws, rules and guidelines vary widely from state to state. As this terrible Coronavirus continues its stranglehold across the United States many states are modifying their long established rules of allowing Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipments of distilled spirits. Some states have allowed DTC beer and wine shipments but distilled spirits have generally been excluded. Virginia is the latest state to ‘temporarily’ modify its laws to allow DTC shipment of distilled spirits from a distillery.
In a statement VA ABC stores said, “We recognize that the COVID-19 crisis is negatively impacting many of these businesses that provide their unique products to consumers across the commonwealth. With their tasting rooms closed, these Virginia businesses are working hard to maintain operations at even a nominal level.”
Previous changes by ABC regarding a distillery’s ability to deliver products directly to consumers are permanent and remain in place. This includes delivering products to customers seated in their vehicle on the premises or in the parking lot of the distillery, in addition to delivering products by way of distillery employees or third party services such as Grubhub and Uber Eats.
This temporary change allows distillers to ship six bottles of spirits or two cases of low alcohol beverage coolers via approved common carrier (currently FedEx or UPS) to any one consumer 21 years of age or older per month. Further details are included below.
The state of Virginia is home to more than 45 distilleries offering 175 Virginia-made spirits including rum, gin, moonshine, brandy, whiskey and bourbon at ABC stores. Consumers will need to reach out to their favorite distillery directly for product availability and shipping fees.
View all Virginia Distilleries here.
“The Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control continues to think outside of the box and offer creative solutions to combat the spread of COVID-19 while still supporting the state’s hospitality industry,” said DISCUS Vice President of State Government Relations David Wojnar. “Allowing Virginia’s distillers to deliver their spirits products to consumers will help alleviate some of the economic turmoil these small businesses now face. These innovative ideas will allow distilleries to remain operational while protecting public health – a move that is critical for the local economy and those in the hospitality industry. We look forward to the day when the ABC stores can provide the same service to adult consumers across the Commonwealth.”
Here’s the statement from the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority (ABC).
Virginia ABC Extends Temporary In State Direct to Consumer Shipping Privileges for Virginia Distilleries
“Virginia distilleries contribute to the economic vitality of the commonwealth and it’s important that they have some flexibility in how they are able to provide their products to consumers while their tasting rooms are closed,” said Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “The Virginia Distillers Association is a key partner in working with our distillery store agents to craft responsible policy solutions to address the unprecedented circumstances of this crisis. This temporary addendum to distillery store agreements is one example of many since this crisis where we have provided our licensees with relief from regulatory challenges in areas where we have the authority to do so.”
Operating as an agent of Virginia ABC pursuant to a signed and notarized Distillery Store Agreement addendum on file with Virginia ABC, Virginia distillers are authorized to ship their spirits (and any low alcohol beverage coolers manufactured or blended on the licensed premises) directly to consumers and ABC licensed restaurants in Virginia with the following caveats:
- No distiller may sell more than six bottles of spirits or two cases of low alcohol beverage coolers to any one consumer or licensee per month.
- Bottles of spirits shipped may be no larger than 1.75 liters.
- The distiller must ensure the recipient is at least 21 years of age.
- Direct shipment must be made by an approved common carrier (currently FedEx or UPS).
- Signature of an individual 21 years of age or older is required for delivery.
“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary support,” says Virginia Distillers Association President Gareth H. Moore. “Enacting temporary in-state direct to consumer shipping privileges for local distilleries is a reasonable lifeline for our industry, which employs almost 1,500 Virginians. This new form of market access will provide industry members both small and large with a mechanism to get product to consumers, easing distillers’ angst for how they will pay wages and sustain business in light of market access restrictions.”
The easing of these regulations will help out these small businesses, consumers and the state revenue sources. The graphic below shows that state run liquor stores in VA generated more than $1 Billion dollars in revenue for the state in 2019. Revenue from the states sales of spirits went to education (42%), Health & Human Resources (31.6%), General Government (13.7%), Public Safety (9.5%) and Other (5.1%).
Virginia distilleries have a great opportunity to make a case for making these temporary changes permanent when this crisis is over.
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