← Virginia alcohol laws›Where to Buy Alcohol
Virginia Where to Buy Alcohol (2026)
Conditional: Virginia is a control state: distilled spirits are sold only at Virginia ABC stores, while beer and wine are sold in grocery and convenience stores and by licensed retailers.
Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Where to Buy Alcohol in states bordering Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- District of ColumbiaConditional
The District of Columbia is not a control state: spirits, beer and wine are sold at private Class A liquor stores, while grocery and convenience stores hold Class B licenses limited to beer and wine only (no spirits). ABCA is the regulator.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: abca.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
- KentuckyConditional
Kentucky is not a control state: grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations sell beer (and wine where it is locally allowed), but wine and spirits require a separate licensed package (liquor) store or section. Availability varies by local wet or dry status.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandConditional
In Maryland, alcohol is mostly handled locally, and the state generally restricts alcohol sales in grocery and chain stores (Talbot County is the noted exception for grocery beer and wine). Some counties run government dispensary or control systems for spirits — Montgomery and Somerset counties, for example, operate county liquor stores.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: atcc.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- North CarolinaConditional
North Carolina is a control state for spirits: distilled spirits are sold only at county-operated ABC stores, or by-the-drink in mixed-beverage outlets, while beer and wine are sold in grocery and convenience stores. ABC stores are closed on Sundays.
Verified Jul 20, 2026 · Source: abc.nc.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- TennesseeConditional
Tennessee is not a control state — both wholesale and retail are private: spirits and wine are sold at private package (liquor) stores, while beer and, since 2016, wine are sold in grocery and convenience stores. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is the regulator.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia is a modified control state: spirits are sold through the state-controlled system at privately operated retail "agency" liquor stores, with the state setting prices and distribution, while beer and wine are sold in grocery and convenience stores.
Verified Aug 2, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
We watch the official sources behind Virginia alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.