The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) has announced several important updates and upcoming deadlines affecting Virginia retailers. From new laws taking effect July 1 to upcoming tobacco permitting requirements, here’s what your business needs to know.
July 1: New Virginia Laws Take Effect
Several bills passed during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly and signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger take effect July 1, 2026. These changes include updates to mixed beverage ratio reporting, tobacco licensing requirements and other Virginia ABC regulations.
Who this affects: Restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, convenience stores, grocery stores and any business holding a Virginia ABC license.
Action Item: Review the legislative changes to determine whether your business needs to update procedures or compliance practices.
Resources:
- Virginia ABC Legislative Update: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/legislation
- Virginia ABC Licensee Resources: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses
New Tobacco Retailer Training Available
Virginia ABC has launched Virginia Education for Retailers of Tobacco (VERT), a free online training program designed to help tobacco retailers understand Virginia laws, prevent unlawful sales and promote responsible retailing.
The training covers:
- Virginia tobacco laws and regulations
- Best practices for preventing underage sales
- Responsible retail operations
Who this affects: Retailers selling tobacco or nicotine products and employees responsible for tobacco sales.
Action Item: Register employees who sell tobacco products for the VERT training.
Resource:
- Virginia ABC Training Resources: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/training
October 1: Tobacco Retail Permit Required
Beginning October 1, 2026, Virginia businesses selling retail tobacco products, including liquid nicotine products, must obtain a Virginia ABC Tobacco Retail Permit.
Permits will:
- Be required for retail tobacco sales
- Be valid for 12 months from issuance
- Be renewable annually
- Be managed through the Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) System
Who this affects: Any Virginia business selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vape products or other retail tobacco products.
Action Item: Create your Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) account now so you’re prepared when tobacco permit applications become available.
Resources:
- Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL): https://www.val.abc.virginia.gov
- Virginia ABC Licensing Information: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses
July 31: Third-Party Delivery Certification Due
Third-Party Delivery licensees are required to submit an annual written certification confirming compliance with insurance requirements and delivery personnel qualifications.
The certification is due July 31 each year, regardless of your license renewal date.
Failure to submit the certification by the deadline may result in an administrative violation.
Who this affects: Businesses licensed by Virginia ABC to provide third-party alcohol delivery services.
Action Item: Complete and submit the required certification before July 31.
Resource:
- Virginia ABC Retail Resources: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/retail-resources
ACH Payments Now Available for License Renewals
Virginia ABC now allows eligible licensees to pay license registrations, renewals and fees using electronic check (ACH) through the Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) System.
Benefits include:
- Securely saving payment information for future use
- Faster online payment processing
- Reduced mailing costs
Virginia ABC will continue accepting traditional payment methods, including paper checks.
Who this affects: All eligible Virginia ABC licensees not subject to cash-only payment restrictions.
Action Item: Consider using ACH payments during your next license renewal for a faster online experience.
Resource:
- Virginia ABC Licensing: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses
Need Help Using the VAL System?
The Virginia ABC Licensing (VAL) System allows licensees to:
- Manage licenses online
- Submit renewals
- Make payments
- Track required training
- Complete licensing transactions from one secure account
Virginia ABC also offers training videos and how-to guides to help businesses get started.
Resource:
- VAL Training & How-To Guides: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/training
Key Dates at a Glance
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | New Virginia ABC laws take effect |
| July 31, 2026 | Third-Party Delivery certification due |
| October 1, 2026 | Tobacco Retail Permit is required for retailers selling tobacco products |