What are the requirements for obtaining a liquor license in a municipality?

In order to obtain a liquor license in a municipality in Virginia, an individual or business must follow a specific set of guidelines set forth by the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC). In order to establish a business for the sale and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages, a business must have the ABC license. Additionally, any applicant must provide proof of ownership or a lease for the proposed business location as well as proof of financial security, which can include certificates of deposit. The ABC Board also requires that an applicant must complete an application, provide valid identification, pay a fee and submit to a criminal background check. If approved, the license may either be granted for a single location or multiple locations, depending on the specifics of the license. Before a business can be granted a license, it must meet all municipal regulations, including zoning enforcement, building safety codes and collection of local taxes. Furthermore, any applicant must receive approval from the Virginia Department of Health before the license is granted. Once all the criteria needed for the license is met, the local ABC Board must hold a public hearing to allow the community to speak out about the proposed business. After the public hearing, the Board will make a decision to grant or deny the license. If granted, the license must be renewed each year and local municipalities will review the licensee’s records to ensure that their business remains in compliance.

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