The Distilled Spirits Council today registered strong support for legislation that would allow alcohol sales in all jurisdictions of the Commonwealth.
Virginia. SB 1110, sponsored by Virginia Senator Bryce Reeves, was reported out of the Senate’s Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services earlier today. The legislation would make the entire state of Virginia wet, requiring localities to hold a referendum to go dry. Virginia has nine remaining dry counties (Bland, Buchanan, Charlotte, Craig, Grayson, Highland, Lee, Patrick and Russell), with portions of 31 counties currently dry.
“Virginia’s Distilled Spirit industry is expanding, and our localities need to keep up with that growth,” said Senator Bryce Reeves. “As SB 1110 moves on to the Senate floor, I’m hopeful that my colleagues will recognize the importance of this legislation and how it helps create a stronger, more suitable environment for Virginia distillers and their businesses.”
Distilled Spirits Council Vice President of State Government Relations David Wojnar added, “One hundred years after Prohibition, it is time to remove the last remaining blue laws in Virginia. We urge Virginia lawmakers to continue to provide consumers with the convenience they demand and build upon the strong business environment they have created for Virginia’s distilled spirits industry. This measure will also allow the Virginia ABC to expand its footprint and raise much needed revenue for the commonwealth.”
There are currently 61 active distilleries in Virginia, with another 11 pending licenses.