Happy summer from the VBWA team!
We returned to Richmond energized after wrapping a successful 35th annual convention with our wine peers at The Omni Homestead Resort last month. In addition to our valued sponsors (find them below in this newsletter) that make this event happen, I want to thank Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control CEO Dale Farino for joining us and bringing us inside the latest updates from the authority.
Our convention and Board meeting was filled with camaraderie along with healthy debate over the rapidly evolving landscape in alcoholic beverages. In particular, our members have been engaged in due diligence on intoxicating beverages containing THC, and there are understandably a range of perspectives on this complex issue.
I want to highlight an area where we are united: Across the board, VBWA members agree that Virginia ABC should serve as the primary regulator of all cannabis products.
This shared position strengthens our ability to influence state policy, and it aligns with the Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles related to cannabis that our Board adopted in the fall. The Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association also supports this position, meaning the entire middle tier is aligned.
In the meantime, we expect the 2026 General Assembly to take up a cannabis marketplace bill, with details to be determined. As always, our strength lies in unity — and I appreciate your thoughtful engagement on this important issue.
Cheers.
Philip H. Boykin
President & CEO
Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association
See the photos: 35th Annual VBWA/VWWA Joint Convention
View and download photos from our event at The Omni Homestead Resort.
Survey: Consumers Confused, Unaware About Hemp THC Beverages
With many states debating potential regulation of hemp-derived THC beverages, a new survey from the Center for Alcohol Policy found consumers are generally unaware of the products or of their effects. And, the survey shows, once they do become aware of them, they want them to be regulated. See the complete findings.
2025 Virginia Alcohol Law and Policy Manual Available Now
This past year has seen wholesale revisions to Virginia’s alcohol regulations. Prepared by VBWA general counsel Mike Mullin and building on the hard work of outside counsel Kevin McNally, this manual is a must-have for those working in the alcohol industry. The citations and laws have been updated throughout the document, and it includes all the new alcohol laws that took effect as of July 1. To get your copy, members should email Mike Mullin.
Among those new July 1 laws:
- A VBWA-championed bill clarified that no manufacturer, bottler, importer, broker, or wholesaler can make an agreement, or attempt to make an agreement, with a retail licensee to exclude competitor products from being carried at the retailer. This was necessary because a legal opinion questioned the prior law after decades of general understanding in the alcohol community. No substantive law was changed. HB1703 (Bulova) /SB834 (Favola)
- Alcohol retailers will now be required to offer human trafficking prevention training to their employees. HB2033 (Simonds)
- The sunset on off-premise sales for on-premise licensees and consumption of alcoholic beverages was removed and made permanent after several years of review to ensure that ID checks were being made at the proper level. HB2058 (Krizek) /SB811(Rouse)
- Mixed beverage licensees may deliver an original bottle containing spirits if it is no more than 16 ounces and no higher than 15% ABV. This amends 3VAC5-50-60. SB868 (Reeves)
Join VBWA and your Virginia beer peers: NBWA 88th Annual Convention & Trade Show
October 12-15 | Las Vegas, NV
The electric centerpiece of the beer and beverage distribution industry returns for an action-packed week of connection and innovation. Join your Virginia peers and thousands of other distributor, supplier, vendor, and retail leaders as the dynamic future of beverages comes to life. Register to attend now.
Thank you to our 2025 Associate Members!
