Virginia ABC stores will remain open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For the first time, the state-run liquor stores will be open on January 1, specifically from noon to 6 p.m.

If you need to restock the alcohol supply or to continue the New Year’s celebrations today, you can go and buy liquor at the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control stores this Sunday. It is due to a change of legislation that entered into forced on July 1, 2016.

abc storefront
“The steady rise in Sunday sales shows customers across the state find it a convenient day to shop,” said ABC Chairman Jeffrey Painter. “We look forward to providing this enhanced customer service for our Sunday patrons.” Image credit: Virginia Government.

It’s the first time Virginia ABC is opening on New Year’s Day

If you used all your liquor during the New Year’s Eve celebration, don’t worry. You can visit the Virginia ABC stores to get some more this Sunday, making it the first year the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control stores opens on a January 1.

ABC retail stores can now open an hour earlier on Sundays and New Year’s Day. According to ABC, they made the changes after analyzing costumer’s feedback. Virginia ABC stores will be open on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., which are the usual operating hours for a Sunday.

Regular operating hours of ABC stores are Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday’s hours go from noon to 6 p.m. However, specific locations might be closed on Sunday.

“This marks the first time Virginia ABC stores will be open the first day of the year,” a Virginia ABC spokesperson said. “The change to store hours came from legislation effective July 1, stating that Virginia ABC retail locations may open an hour earlier on Sundays (noon) and may also be open on New Year’s Day.”

A progressive liberalization of the ban

The state had previously banned the Alcoholic Beverage Control shops from operating on Jan 1. Therefore no alcohol was sold in Virginia during New Year’s Day.

In 2004, the General Assembly voted to allow ABC stores in Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach and Norfolk to be open on Sunday with limited hours. TAlcohol demand during the holidays continues to increase across the state. In 2008, new legislation passed expanding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in cities which populations surpass 100,000 inhabitants. In 2012, the restrictions were almost removed allowing Virginia ABC to open on Sundays, from 1 to 6 p.m. at their discretion.

The modification made last summer removed the ban entirely, allowing the sale of liquor in ABC stores one hour earlier on Sundays and even during New Year’s Day.

Source: Fauquier Times