Virginia ABC—made up of a team of approximately 3,500 statewide employees—is one of the 11 public safety agencies under the Secretariat of Public Safety and Homeland Securityfor the Commonwealth. The agency administers ABC laws with an emphasis on public service and a focus on protecting citizens by ensuring a safe, orderly and regulated system for convenient distribution and responsible consumption of alcohol.

The agency is a leading revenue producer for Virginia and the source of future economic growth and innovation for the state. The profits that Virginia ABC contributes—collected from sales of distilled spirits at ABC stores, taxes collected on beer and wine sales, violation penalties and license fees—provide much-needed funding for use in programs across all secretariats, thus benefiting citizens in all areas of the state whether they choose to drink or not. Since its establishment in 1934, Virginia ABC has contributed $8.6 billion to the Commonwealth’s general fund, which supports major education, health and transportation initiatives.

As one of 17 control states across the United States—where the state government manages the sale and distribution of distilled spirits at the wholesale level—ABC stores are the only retail outlets in Virginia where customers may purchase liquor.

In 2015, Virginia ABC was recognized by StateWays magazine, the only national magazine strictly devoted to issues that affect the states and jurisdictions where government manages distilled spirits sales. The agency earned the Best of the Best overall winner title for the 2015 Control State Best Practices Awards for its innovative initiatives that lead the industry in the areas of retail, education, enforcement and technology.