RD382 - 2009 Annual Report of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)


Executive Summary:
ABC completed Fiscal Year 2009 with a record $665.6 million in annual gross sales. Although slightly below forecast, sales increased by 3.8 percent over the previous fiscal year. Retail dollars are up 5.2 percent while mixed beverage licensee sales continue to lag with a 1.5 percent decrease.

In Fiscal Year 2009, ABC collected more than $109 million in excise taxes, $30 million in wine liter taxes, $26 million in general sales taxes, $44 million in malt beverage taxes and $111 million in profit transfers for a total of $322,322,985 in transfers. ABC has contributed more than $1.5 billion dollars to the Commonwealth in the last five years.

During the fiscal year, 90 special agents from the agency’s Bureau of Law Enforcement monitored compliance in licensed establishments statewide. ABC special agents conducted 14,914 criminal investigations, made 2,897 arrests, and completed 1,457 written warnings and 1,049 written violation reports for administrative action against licenses. ABC agents take an active role in promoting compliance. They trained 1,537 participants in the Responsible Sellers and Servers: Virginia’s Program (RSVP) statewide this fiscal year.

Statewide community involvement through the Community Advisory Council allows for the exchange of information about services available and community needs. Council meetings are held in all four regions in the state.

In Fiscal Year 2009, the Hearings, Appeals and Judicial Services received 1,100 cases for processing and achieved its goal for the processing average to be under 200 days. The division collected $1,454,475 in civil penalties during the fiscal year.

ABC continues to lead the Commonwealth in alcohol prevention and community education initiatives. The agency provides thousands of dollars in grant funding to enhance community and university coalitions. In Fiscal Year 2009, ABC distributed 347,000 education/prevention/compliance pieces throughout Virginia.

The ABC-sponsored 23rd Annual College Conference drew more than 200 college students and professionals and featured a student contest for developing a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on responsibility and alcohol. Award-winning initiatives include Alcohol and Aging and a Military Outreach alcohol education partnership featuring a military Safe Rides Home program.

In 2009, the agency commemorates its 75th anniversary.

In the 75 years since its inception, ABC has contributed more than $6 billion to the Virginia’s General Fund. The Pullman Company received the first ABC license in April 1934 and today there are more than 15,000 licensed establishments in Virginia. The first four ABC stores opened in May 1934 and by the end of Fiscal Year 2009, ABC operated 332 stores statewide.

In 1971, the ABC warehouse moved from Harrison and West Broad Streets in Richmond to its current location at 2901 Hermitage Road. Recent warehouse automation enables the agency to maintain excellent product service levels. The system is capable of processing 20,000 cases in a normal eight-hour shift.

While much has changed in the 75 years since its inception, ABC remains committed to providing excellent customer service, enhancing public safety and maximizing revenue returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia.