{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/4.1-127.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/4.1-127.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/4.1-127.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/4.1-127.html"}],"law_id":86921,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86921,"structure_id":13259,"section_number":"4.1-127","catch_line":"Contests of local option referenda","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 4-47; 1993, c. 866.","full_text":"The regularity or legality of any referendum held pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 4.1-121, 4.1-123 and 4.1-124 shall be subject to the inquiry, determination, and judgment of the circuit court which ordered the referendum. The court shall proceed upon complaint of fifteen or more qualified voters of the county, city, or town, filed within thirty days after the date the results of the referendum are certified and setting out fully the grounds of contest. The complaint and the proceedings shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of \u00a7 15.2-1654, and the judgment of the court entered of record shall be a final determination of the regularity and legality of the referendum.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":311213,"text":"The regularity or legality of any referendum held pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 4.1-121, 4.1-123 and 4.1-124 shall be subject to the inquiry, determination, and judgment of the circuit court which ordered the referendum. The court shall proceed upon complaint of fifteen or more qualified voters of the county, city, or town, filed within thirty days after the date the results of the referendum are certified and setting out fully the grounds of contest. The complaint and the proceedings shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of \u00a7 15.2-1654, and the judgment of the court entered of record shall be a final determination of the regularity and legality of the referendum.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/4.1-127\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 1993, chapter 866.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":63752,"section_number":"15.2-1654","catch_line":"Contest of election","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1654\/"},{"id":67331,"section_number":"4.1-121","catch_line":"Referendum on establishment of government stores","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-121\/"},{"id":82559,"section_number":"4.1-123","catch_line":"Referendum on Sunday wine and beer sales; exception","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-123\/"},{"id":70468,"section_number":"4.1-124","catch_line":"Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-124\/"}],"permalink":{"id":218763,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86921,"identifier":"4.1-127","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-127","url":"\/4.1-127\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/4.1-127\/","token":"4.1\/I\/1\/4.1-127","dublin_core":{"Title":"Contests of local option referenda","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 4.1-127","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>The regularity or legality of any <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> held pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Referendum on establishment of government stores\" href=\"\/4.1-121\/\">4.1-121<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"Referendum on Sunday wine and beer sales; exception\" href=\"\/4.1-123\/\">4.1-123<\/a> and <a class=\"law\" title=\"Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages\" href=\"\/4.1-124\/\">4.1-124<\/a> shall be subject to the inquiry, determination, and <span class=\"dictionary\">judgment<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> which ordered the <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span>. The <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall proceed upon complaint of fifteen or more qualified voters of the county, city, or town, filed within thirty days after the date the results of the <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span> are certified and setting out fully the grounds of contest. The complaint and the proceedings shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Contest of election\" href=\"\/15.2-1654\/\">15.2-1654<\/a>, and the <span class=\"dictionary\">judgment<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> entered of record shall be a final determination of the regularity and legality of the <span class=\"dictionary\">referendum<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONTESTS OF LOCAL OPTION REFERENDA (\u00a7 4.1-127)\n\nThe regularity or legality of any referendum held pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 4.1-121,\n4.1-123 and 4.1-124 shall be subject to the inquiry, determination, and judgment\nof the circuit court which ordered the referendum. The court shall proceed upon\ncomplaint of fifteen or more qualified voters of the county, city, or town,\nfiled within thirty days after the date the results of the referendum are\ncertified and setting out fully the grounds of contest. The complaint and the\nproceedings shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of \u00a7\n15.2-1654, and the judgment of the court entered of record shall be a final\ndetermination of the regularity and legality of the referendum.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 4-47; 1993, c. 866.","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}}