SWVAToday

​In an effort to eliminate underage and high-risk drinking, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant program now through March 1.
This is the 10th year Virginia ABC is offering grants to support alcohol education and prevention programs and projects across the commonwealth.
Since 2013, Virginia ABC has awarded an average of $80,000 each year through its grant program to Virginia organizations working to prevent underage and high-risk drinking. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $10,000 each to support evidence-based projects that have a long-lasting impact and encourage partnerships between organizations. Community coalitions, law enforcement, nonprofits, schools, government entities, colleges and universities, faith-based organizations and prevention-related groups are encouraged to apply.
Proposed projects must address prevention in one or more of the following focus areas:

• underage drinking,
• providing or serving alcohol to youth, and
• high-risk drinking.

“We strive to support and work collaboratively with organizations that share our mission to strengthen the commonwealth through public safety and education,” said Katie Crumble, director of Virginia ABC Community Health and Engagement.
Applications are available online, with a convenient online platform for submission. Virginia ABC has provided an application guide to assist applicants and provide more information about the program. This grant application guide and the grant application are at www.abc.virginia.gov/education/grants.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 1.

WNCT9
by: Gabby Sartori, Mekaela Muck
Posted: Jan 6, 2025 / 01:05 PM EST
Updated: Jan 6, 2025 / 11:20 PM EST

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Ordering takeout is one of the most convenient forms of customer service for many people. 
Cocktails to-go are officially back after their five-year hiatus since COVID-19. Under Senate Bill 527, you can order a cocktail to-go through a restaurant’s order service or Doordash. 
During COVID-19, Sup Dogs initially had the cocktail to-go service and they are excited to have it back once again.
“It’s nice that people are over order food and maybe instead of spending 10, 20 bucks on food, they’re adding on an additional 510 bucks for a drink to go,” Owner of Sug Dogs Bret Oliverio said. “So, it’s additional revenue for restaurants and, you know, I’m just glad that there’s processes in place that make things safe and gives restaurants a chance to make a little bit more revenue.” 
When ordering a cocktail to-go, you must order a meal too. North Carolina is the 29th state to permanently allow cocktails to-go.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Tito’s Handmade Vodka is still the most popular spirit in Virginia for the seventh year in a row, according to Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC).
For seven years in a row, Virginians have made it clear that Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the most popular spirit in the Commonwealth.
Virginia ABC reported that Tito’s brought in $75 million in sales in the fiscal year of 2024, which was a $3 million increase from the last fiscal year.

The vodka brand’s sales nearly doubled those of the second-most popular spirit, Hennessey VS, which sold more than $38 million.
According to statistics from the Virginia ABC, these were the top ten liquors purchased in 2024:

1. Tito’s Handmade Vodka ($75 million) 
2. Hennessy VS ($38 million) 
3. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 ($28 million) 
4. Patron Silver ($25 million) 
5. Jim Beam ($23 million) 
6. Jameson Irish ($20 million) 
7. Lunazul Blanco ($19.4 million) 
8. Maker’s Mark ($19.2 million) 
9. Grey Goose ($18 million) 
10. Crown Royal ($17 million) 

For more information, visit the Virginia ABC’s website.