Check the Shelf: Virginia ABC Streamlines Allocated Product Sales

News Release Contact:
​Virginia ABC Communications - (804) 213-4413
Email: [email protected]

​Check the Shelf: Virginia ABC Streamlines Allocated Product SalesMECHANICSVILLE – Changes are coming to how the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority sells limited availability products.
On a regional store-by-store basis, limited availability products will be put on the shelf for sale. These sales will occur at random dates and times. 
This change goes into effect today, August 6. The one item per customer per day restriction remains in effect. Distribution will now be decided at the regional level, instead of centrally-managed random or pre-announced limited availability drops.
Virginia ABC will no longer notify customers via text message, email or social media when limited availability products are available for sale.
The goal is to shorten the time between products arriving in Virginia ABC’s distribution center and making a sale to customers, while still providing equitable access to these products through a mix of locations and times.
Virginia ABC also sells rare spirits through other means, including online lotteries and in-store barrel pick events. These events will continue. Virginia ABC will continue to notify customers about lotteries and barrel pick events.
Virginia ABC instituted the drop system in April 2022 to create an equitable system for distributing dozens of spirits (predominantly bourbon) for which demand exceeded supply.
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The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing more than $2.7 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Virginia ABC currently operates more than 400 state stores and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees approximately 19,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 90th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.