{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/4.1-121.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/4.1-121.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/4.1-121.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/4.1-121.html"}],"law_id":67331,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67331,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-121","catch_line":"Referendum on establishment of government stores","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 4-45; 1954, c. 221; 1974, c. 399; 1975, c. 517; 1977, c. 683; 1980, cc. 541, 543; 1984, c. 200; 1993, c. 866; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019, cc. 37, 178.","full_text":"A\n\nThe qualified voters of any county, city, or town having a population of 1,000 or more may file a petition with the circuit court of the county or city, or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated, asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1 preceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.\n\t\t\tThe question on the ballot shall be:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in &#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;. (name of county, city, or town)?&#8221;\n\t\t\tThe referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in &#xA7; 24.2-684. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the county, city, or town.B\n\nOnce a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of the date of the prior referendum. However, a town shall not be prescribed from holding a referendum within such period although an election has been held in the county in which the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior thereto.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":244003,"text":"The qualified voters of any county, city, or town having a population of 1,000 or more may file a petition with the circuit court of the county or city, or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated, asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1 preceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.\n\t\t\tThe question on the ballot shall be:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in &#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;. (name of county, city, or town)?&#8221;\n\t\t\tThe referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in &#xA7; 24.2-684. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the county, city, or town.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":244004,"text":"Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of the date of the prior referendum. However, a town shall not be prescribed from holding a referendum within such period although an election has been held in the county in which the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior thereto.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13259,"edition_id":1,"name":"Definitions and General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13130,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:31","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:31","permalink":{"id":218573,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13259,"identifier":"1","token":"4.1\/I\/1","url":"\/4.1\/I\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13130,"edition_id":1,"name":"Alcoholic Beverage Control Act","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13129,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":218571,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13130,"identifier":"I","token":"4.1\/I","url":"\/4.1\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13129,"edition_id":1,"name":"Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control","identifier":"4.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":218569,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13129,"identifier":"4.1","token":"4.1","url":"\/4.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":55602,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/4.1-100\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-100","metadata":false},{"id":54605,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101","catch_line":"Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority created; public purpose","url":"\/4.1-101\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101","metadata":false},{"id":66649,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.01","catch_line":"Board of Directors; membership; terms; compensation","url":"\/4.1-101.01\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.01","metadata":false},{"id":84894,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.010","catch_line":"Exemption of Authority from personnel and procurement procedures; information systems; etc","url":"\/4.1-101.010\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.010","metadata":false},{"id":57706,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.011","catch_line":"Reversion to the Commonwealth","url":"\/4.1-101.011\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.011","metadata":false},{"id":75389,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.02","catch_line":"Appointment, salary, and powers of Chief Executive Officer; appointment of confidential assistant to the Chief Executive Officer","url":"\/4.1-101.02\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.02","metadata":false},{"id":80581,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.03","catch_line":"Background investigations of Board members and Chief Executive Officer","url":"\/4.1-101.03\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.03","metadata":false},{"id":74090,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.04","catch_line":"Financial interests of Board, employees, and family members prohibited","url":"\/4.1-101.04\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.04","metadata":false},{"id":70232,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.05","catch_line":"Employees of the Authority","url":"\/4.1-101.05\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.05","metadata":false},{"id":85741,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.06","catch_line":"Moneys of Authority","url":"\/4.1-101.06\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.06","metadata":false},{"id":57800,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.07","catch_line":"Forms of accounts and records; audit; annual report","url":"\/4.1-101.07\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.07","metadata":false},{"id":83425,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.08","catch_line":"Leases of property","url":"\/4.1-101.08\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.08","metadata":false},{"id":79173,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.09","catch_line":"Exemptions from taxes or assessments","url":"\/4.1-101.09\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.09","metadata":false},{"id":59656,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-101.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail; electronic communications as alternative to regular mail; limitation","url":"\/4.1-101.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-101.1","metadata":false},{"id":77392,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-102","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-102\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-102","metadata":false},{"id":67902,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-103","catch_line":"General powers of Board","url":"\/4.1-103\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-103","metadata":false},{"id":75212,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-103.01","catch_line":"Additional powers; access to certain tobacco sales records; inspections; penalty","url":"\/4.1-103.01\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-103.01","metadata":false},{"id":73215,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-103.02","catch_line":"Additional powers; substance abuse prevention; Virginia Institutions of Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee established","url":"\/4.1-103.02\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-103.02","metadata":false},{"id":61167,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-103.03","catch_line":"Additional powers; mediation; alternative dispute resolution; confidentiality","url":"\/4.1-103.03\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-103.03","metadata":false},{"id":64998,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-103.1","catch_line":"Criminal history records check required on certain employees; reimbursement of costs","url":"\/4.1-103.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-103.1","metadata":false},{"id":69388,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-104","catch_line":"Purchases by the Board","url":"\/4.1-104\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-104","metadata":false},{"id":86288,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-105","catch_line":"Police power of members, agents and employees of Board","url":"\/4.1-105\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-105","metadata":false},{"id":72518,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-106","catch_line":"Liability of Board members; suits by and against Board","url":"\/4.1-106\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-106","metadata":false},{"id":54256,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-107","catch_line":"Counsel for members, agents and employees of Board","url":"\/4.1-107\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-107","metadata":false},{"id":74236,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-108","catch_line":"Hearings; representation by counsel","url":"\/4.1-108\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-108","metadata":false},{"id":65831,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-109","catch_line":"Hearings; allowances to witnesses","url":"\/4.1-109\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-109","metadata":false},{"id":83427,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-110","catch_line":"Purchase orders of Board for alcoholic beverages","url":"\/4.1-110\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-110","metadata":false},{"id":67886,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-111","catch_line":"Regulations of Board","url":"\/4.1-111\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-111","metadata":false},{"id":83178,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-112","catch_line":"Regulations relating to transportation of beer and wine coolers","url":"\/4.1-112\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-112","metadata":false},{"id":73820,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-112.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-112.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-112.1","metadata":false},{"id":73363,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-112.2","catch_line":"Outdoor advertising; limitations; variances; compliance with Title 33.2","url":"\/4.1-112.2\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-112.2","metadata":false},{"id":84178,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-113","catch_line":"Board not to regulate certain advertising in the interiors of retail establishments","url":"\/4.1-113\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-113","metadata":false},{"id":85335,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-113.1","catch_line":"Outdoor advertising; compliance with Title 33.2","url":"\/4.1-113.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-113.1","metadata":false},{"id":81493,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-114","catch_line":"Annual review of operations of certain mixed beverage licensees","url":"\/4.1-114\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-114","metadata":false},{"id":68919,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-115","catch_line":"Reports and accounting systems of Board; auditing books and records","url":"\/4.1-115\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-115","metadata":false},{"id":59758,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-116","catch_line":"Disposition of moneys collected by Board; creation of Enterprise Fund; reserve fund","url":"\/4.1-116\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-116","metadata":false},{"id":65028,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-117","catch_line":"Disposition of net profits to localities","url":"\/4.1-117\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-117","metadata":false},{"id":80535,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-118","catch_line":"Certain information not to be made public","url":"\/4.1-118\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-118","metadata":false},{"id":77346,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-119","catch_line":"Operation of government stores","url":"\/4.1-119\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-119","metadata":false},{"id":76836,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-119.1","catch_line":"Human trafficking hotline; posted notice required","url":"\/4.1-119.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-119.1","metadata":false},{"id":59854,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-120","catch_line":"When government stores closed","url":"\/4.1-120\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-120","metadata":false},{"id":67331,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-121","catch_line":"Referendum on establishment of government stores","url":"\/4.1-121\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-121","metadata":false},{"id":82996,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-122","catch_line":"Effect of local option referenda","url":"\/4.1-122\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-122","metadata":false},{"id":82559,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-123","catch_line":"Referendum on Sunday wine and beer sales; exception","url":"\/4.1-123\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-123","metadata":false},{"id":70468,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-124","catch_line":"Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages","url":"\/4.1-124\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-124","metadata":false},{"id":73204,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-125","catch_line":"Section 4.1-124 applicable to certain towns","url":"\/4.1-125\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-125","metadata":false},{"id":55386,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-126","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-126\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-126","metadata":false},{"id":86921,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-127","catch_line":"Contests of local option referenda","url":"\/4.1-127\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-127","metadata":false},{"id":76354,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-128","catch_line":"Local ordinances or resolutions regulating or taxing alcoholic beverages","url":"\/4.1-128\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-128","metadata":false},{"id":58360,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-129","catch_line":"Local ordinances regulating time of sale of wine and beer","url":"\/4.1-129\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-129","metadata":false},{"id":69875,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-130","catch_line":"Importation of beverages not under customs or internal revenue bonds; storage in approved warehouses; release","url":"\/4.1-130\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-130","metadata":false},{"id":61322,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-131","catch_line":"Importation of beverages under customs bonds and holding in warehouses; release","url":"\/4.1-131\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-131","metadata":false},{"id":85843,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-132","catch_line":"Transportation into or within Commonwealth under internal revenue bond and holding in warehouses; release","url":"\/4.1-132\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-132","metadata":false},{"id":77909,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-133","catch_line":"Bailment system of warehousing; prohibited fees and charges","url":"\/4.1-133\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-133","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":59854,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-120","catch_line":"When government stores closed","url":"\/4.1-120\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-120","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":82996,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-122","catch_line":"Effect of local option referenda","url":"\/4.1-122\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-122","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/4.1-121\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 221; in 1974, chapter 399; in 1975, chapter 517; in 1977, chapter 683; in 1980, chapters 541 and 543; in 1984, chapter 200; in 1993, chapter 866; in 2015, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?151+ful+CHAP0038\">38<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?151+ful+CHAP0730\">730<\/a>; in 2019, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?191+ful+CHAP0037\">37<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?191+ful+CHAP0178\">178<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67902,"section_number":"4.1-103","catch_line":"General powers of Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-103\/"},{"id":77346,"section_number":"4.1-119","catch_line":"Operation of government stores","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-119\/"},{"id":82996,"section_number":"4.1-122","catch_line":"Effect of local option referenda","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-122\/"},{"id":86921,"section_number":"4.1-127","catch_line":"Contests of local option referenda","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-127\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":82479,"section_number":"24.2-684","catch_line":"How referendum elections called and held, and the results ascertained and certified","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-684\/"}],"permalink":{"id":218739,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67331,"identifier":"4.1-121","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-121","url":"\/4.1-121\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/4.1-121\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-121","dublin_core":{"Title":"Referendum on establishment of government stores","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 4.1-121","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The qualified voters of any county, city, or town having a population of 1,000 or more may file a <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> with the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> of the county or city, or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated, asking that a <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> be held on the question of whether the <span class=\"dictionary\">sale<\/span> by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control <span class=\"dictionary\">Authority<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">alcoholic beverages<\/span>, other than <span class=\"dictionary\">beer<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\">wine<\/span> not produced by farm wineries, should be prohibited within that <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span>. The <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> on January 1 preceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Upon the filing of a <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, to conduct a <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> on the question. The clerk of the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall publish notice of the <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span>.\n\t\t\tThe question on the ballot shall be:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Shall the <span class=\"dictionary\">sale<\/span> by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control <span class=\"dictionary\">Authority<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">alcoholic beverages<\/span>, other than <span class=\"dictionary\">beer<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\">wine<\/span> not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in &#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;. (name of county, city, or town)?&#8221;\n\t\t\tThe <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"How referendum elections called and held, and the results ascertained and certified\" href=\"\/24.2-684\/\">24.2-684<\/a>. Thereupon the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall enter of record an <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> certified by the clerk of the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> to be transmitted to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> and to the governing body of the county, city, or town. <a id=\"paragraph-244003\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/4.1-121\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> Once a <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> has been held, no other <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> on the same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of the date of the prior <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span>. However, a town shall not be prescribed from holding a <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> within such period although an election has been held in the county in which the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior thereto. <a id=\"paragraph-244004\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/4.1-121\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREFERENDUM ON ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT STORES (\u00a7 4.1-121)\n\nA. The qualified voters of any county, city, or town having a population of\n1,000 or more may file a petition with the circuit court of the county or city,\nor of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated,\nasking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale by the\nVirginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than\nbeer and wine not produced by farm wineries, should be prohibited within that\njurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number\nto at least 10 percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1\npreceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater.\nUpon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of\nthe county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a\nreferendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice\nof the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or\ntown once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.\n\t\t\tThe question on the ballot shall be:\n\t\t\t&#8220;Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority of\nalcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be\nprohibited in &#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;. (name of county, city, or\ntown)?&#8221;\n\t\t\tThe referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as\nprovided in &#xA7; 24.2-684. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order\ncertified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the\ngoverning body of the county, city, or town.\n\nB. Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question\nshall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of the date of the\nprior referendum. However, a town shall not be prescribed from holding a\nreferendum within such period although an election has been held in the county\nin which the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior\nthereto.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 4-45; 1954, c. 221; 1974, c. 399; 1975, c. 517; 1977, c.\n683; 1980, cc. 541, 543; 1984, c. 200; 1993, c. 866; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2019,\ncc. 37, 178.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}