Virginia Alcohol Laws

Virginia has many laws about alcohol – where and when it can be sold as well as who may or may not consume alcoholic beverages.

In Virginia, the legal drinking age is 21. To work in a restaurant that serves alcohol, you must be at least 18 years old; to be a bartender, the minimum age is 21.

Virginia has several laws about the sale of alcohol. Spirits are only sold in state-owned stores, which are often referred to as Package stores or ABC stores.

In Virginia, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If your blood alcohol content is over the legal limit, that is sufficient proof of a violation. After three of these violations become convictions, a felony goes on your record.

It is important to remember that in addition to state laws, alcohol sales and consumption may be subject to local ordinances.