While homelessness and alcoholism don’t go hand in hand, anyone who has spent time around an ABC store can certainly attest to the fact that there is an increase in begging for bus/food/gas money with more than a hint of ethanol being apparent.  In an effort to increase this type of panhandling, the House of Delegates has approved a bill allowing ABC stores to offer three half-ounce samples per customer, per day, much in the way that local beer/wine stores offer tastings.

The obvious expected benefit will be increased sales through exposing customers to previously unknown offerings, and with the ever expanding options available, it certainly will allow exploration of store shelves.  It is currently unclear whether this sampling will be by request or by offer, as allowing requests would certainly improve the odds of this concept being abused, with 1.5 oz of 151 proof spirits nearly equal in alcohol content to three beers.

While the idea certainly does have its merit, there is still the odds on chance that many stores will experience an up tick in purchase less consumption, and other yet to be seen issues.  [Photo Credits]

Governor McDonnell is looking at a few big changes regarding sate expenses, and is pushing ahead with plans to sell off the Virginia ABC stores in their entirety.  The Commonwealth’s ABC organization has been around since 1934, and is one of 18 other state controlled agencies nationwide, which guides alcohol sale, distribution, and consumption.  Virginia has netted over $6 billion since the programs inception 76 years ago, with nearly $666 million in gross sales for 2009.

The 332 stores may be transfered to private control, with a “hopeful” projected sales & licensing  price of $500 million, although that figure has come under some controversy.  McDonnell has stated that many Virginians don’t believe selling liquor at the retail level is the states responsibility, and should be handed over to private individuals to promote competition and better pricing, amongst other benefits.  Sen. Mark Obenshain proposed a bill last year with exactly the same goals, and indicating a cap of 1 store per 10,000 people, leaving Charlottesville with it’s current count of 4 stores.  To our knowledge no alterations to store hours have been mentioned, leaving us with a long drive for home based Sunday funday. »Read More

Ah, the almighty advertising dollar, and what self respecting periodical wouldn’t chase down each available source?  UVa & Virginia Tech college papers have been duking it out with Virginia law, all in the effort to overturn a blockade on any alcohol related marketing within their pages.  They sued the ABC Department in 2007, and successfully overturned the ban. Unfortunately, however, the Attorney General’s office has appealed to a federal court in Richmond.

The state mandate exists in order to limit underage drinking, which is obviously tied directly to the rate of alcohol advertisings in college papers.

We are wondering whatever happened to the nationwide review of lowering the drinking age to 18, which caused such a stir a few months ago?