Virginia’s alcohol laws, overseen by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority, feature strict controls on sales, delivery, and promotions like happy hour. Home delivery of alcohol has evolved from temporary COVID-era allowances to permanent options, while happy hour faces longstanding restrictions to curb excessive drinking. These rules balance state-run liquor distribution with licensed private sales.
Home Delivery Rules
Third-party alcohol delivery became permanent in Virginia via HB 2058, signed by Governor Youngkin in March 2025, removing the prior July 1, 2026 sunset. Licensed retailers can deliver beer, wine, and spirits through permitted services like DoorDash, with drivers required to verify age via ID checks and complete state-approved training; compliance rates exceed 90% per ABC reports. Restaurants may deliver up to four mixed drinks per order (with at least one mixer each and one meal per two drinks), alongside beer and wine.​
Happy Hour Bans
Virginia prohibits happy hours statewide, defined as discounted drinks or “two-for-one” deals, to prevent overconsumption—a holdover from post-Prohibition reforms. Bars and restaurants cannot offer time-limited price cuts on alcohol, though daily specials on food or fixed-price drinks are allowed if structured carefully. This rule applies uniformly, with ABC enforcement targeting promotional violations.​
State Control System
Hard liquor sells exclusively through state-run ABC stores or licensed distilleries, while beer and wine flow through private retailers and wholesalers. Sales hours restrict alcohol to 6 a.m.–midnight weekdays and until 2 a.m. weekends for off-premise; on-premise varies by locality. Kegs require deposits, and Sunday sales carry extra rules, like no beer/wine wholesaler deliveries except to specific licensees.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.governing.com/now/your-to-go-cocktails-make-it-harder-to-enforce-underage-drinking-laws)
[2](http://www.virginiaplaces.org/alcohol/abc.html)
[3](https://www.adultbeveragealliance.org/virginia-third-part-alcohol-delivery-law-permanent/)
[4](https://www.burnsandwilcox.com/more-bars-restaurants-can-now-deliver-alcohol-shifting-liability-risks/)
[5](https://www.touchbistro.com/blog/alcohol-delivery-covid-19/)
