{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/4.1-215.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/4.1-215.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/4.1-215.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/4.1-215.html"}],"law_id":82323,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82323,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-215","catch_line":"Limitation on manufacturers, bottlers, and wholesalers; exemptions","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 4-32; 1978, c. 108; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 68, \u00a7 4-32.1; 1993, c. 866; 1995, cc. 456, 630; 2003, cc. 1029, 1030; 2005, c. 784; 2007, cc. 99, 799; 2013, cc. 266, 604; 2015, c. 604; 2016, cc. 132, 141; 2017, c. 159; 2018, c. 734; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114; 2025, cc. 126, 130.","full_text":"A\n\n1. Unless exempted pursuant to subsection B, no retail license for the sale of alcoholic beverages shall be granted to any (i) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not; (ii) officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iii) partnership or corporation, where any partner or stockholder is an officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iv) corporation which is a subsidiary of a corporation which owns or has interest in another subsidiary corporation which is a manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages; or (v) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages who has a financial interest in a corporation which has a retail license as a result of a holding company, which owns or has an interest in such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages. Nor shall such licenses be granted in any instances where such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler and such retailer are under common control, by stock ownership or otherwise.2\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of wine or malt beverages, or two or more of such manufacturers together, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license as provided in § 4.1-206.3 upon application to the Board, provided that the event for which a banquet license is obtained is (i) at a place approved by the Board and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming public about wine or malt beverage products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to eight banquet licenses, whether or not jointly obtained, for such events per year without regard to the number of wineries or breweries owned or operated by such manufacturer or by any parent, subsidiary, or company under common control with such manufacturer. Where the event occurs on no more than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for the event.3\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of distilled spirits, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license for a special event as provided in subdivision D 1 b of § 4.1-206.3 upon application to the Board, provided that such event is (i) at a place approved by the Board and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming public about the manufacturer’s spirits products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to no more than eight banquet licenses for such special events per year. Where the event occurs on no more than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for the event. Such banquet license shall authorize the manufacturer to sell or give samples of spirits to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold in designated areas at the special event, provided that (a) no single sample shall exceed one-half ounce per spirits product offered, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits, and (b) no more than three ounces of spirits may be offered to any patron per day. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit such manufacturer from serving such samples as part of a mixed beverage.B\n\nThis section shall not apply to:1\n\nCorporations operating dining cars, buffet cars, club cars, or boats;2\n\nBrewery, distillery, or winery licensees engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201;3\n\nFarm winery licensees engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision 6 of § 4.1-206.1;4\n\nManufacturers, bottlers, or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages who do not sell or otherwise furnish, directly or indirectly, alcoholic beverages or other merchandise to persons holding a retail license or banquet license as described in subsection A;5\n\nWineries, farm wineries, or breweries engaging in conduct authorized by subsection F of § 4.1-206.3 or § 4.1-209.1 or 4.1-212.1; or6\n\nOne out-of-state winery, not under common control or ownership with any other winery, that is under common ownership or control with one restaurant licensed to sell wine at retail in Virginia, so long as any wine produced by that winery is purchased from a Virginia wholesale wine licensee by the restaurant before it is offered for sale to consumers.C\n\nThe General Assembly finds that it is necessary and proper to require a separation between manufacturing interests, wholesale interests, and retail interests in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages in order to prevent suppliers from dominating local markets through vertical integration and to prevent excessive sales of alcoholic beverages caused by overly aggressive marketing techniques. The exceptions established by this section to the general prohibition against tied interests shall be limited to their express terms so as not to undermine the general prohibition and shall therefore be construed accordingly.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":294992,"text":"1. Unless exempted pursuant to subsection B, no retail license for the sale of alcoholic beverages shall be granted to any (i) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not; (ii) officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iii) partnership or corporation, where any partner or stockholder is an officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iv) corporation which is a subsidiary of a corporation which owns or has interest in another subsidiary corporation which is a manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages; or (v) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages who has a financial interest in a corporation which has a retail license as a result of a holding company, which owns or has an interest in such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages. Nor shall such licenses be granted in any instances where such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler and such retailer are under common control, by stock ownership or otherwise.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A2"},"1":{"id":294993,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of wine or malt beverages, or two or more of such manufacturers together, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license as provided in § 4.1-206.3 upon application to the Board, provided that the event for which a banquet license is obtained is (i) at a place approved by the Board and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming public about wine or malt beverage products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to eight banquet licenses, whether or not jointly obtained, for such events per year without regard to the number of wineries or breweries owned or operated by such manufacturer or by any parent, subsidiary, or company under common control with such manufacturer. Where the event occurs on no more than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for the event.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A3"},"2":{"id":294994,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of distilled spirits, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license for a special event as provided in subdivision D 1 b of § 4.1-206.3 upon application to the Board, provided that such event is (i) at a place approved by the Board and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming public about the manufacturer’s spirits products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to no more than eight banquet licenses for such special events per year. Where the event occurs on no more than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for the event. Such banquet license shall authorize the manufacturer to sell or give samples of spirits to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold in designated areas at the special event, provided that (a) no single sample shall exceed one-half ounce per spirits product offered, unless served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits, and (b) no more than three ounces of spirits may be offered to any patron per day. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit such manufacturer from serving such samples as part of a mixed beverage.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"B"},"3":{"id":294995,"text":"This section shall not apply to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B1"},"4":{"id":294996,"text":"Corporations operating dining cars, buffet cars, club cars, or boats;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"5":{"id":294997,"text":"Brewery, distillery, or winery licensees engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"6":{"id":294998,"text":"Farm winery licensees engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision 6 of § 4.1-206.1;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"7":{"id":294999,"text":"Manufacturers, bottlers, or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages who do not sell or otherwise furnish, directly or indirectly, alcoholic beverages or other merchandise to persons holding a retail license or banquet license as described in subsection A;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"8":{"id":295000,"text":"Wineries, farm wineries, or breweries engaging in conduct authorized by subsection F of § 4.1-206.3 or § 4.1-209.1 or 4.1-212.1; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"9":{"id":295001,"text":"One out-of-state winery, not under common control or ownership with any other winery, that is under common ownership or control with one restaurant licensed to sell wine at retail in Virginia, so long as any wine produced by that winery is purchased from a Virginia wholesale wine licensee by the restaurant before it is offered for sale to consumers.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"10":{"id":295002,"text":"The General Assembly finds that it is necessary and proper to require a separation between manufacturing interests, wholesale interests, and retail interests in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages in order to prevent suppliers from dominating local markets through vertical integration and to prevent excessive sales of alcoholic beverages caused by overly aggressive marketing techniques. The exceptions established by this section to the general prohibition against tied interests shall be limited to their express terms so as not to undermine the general prohibition and shall therefore be construed accordingly.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14859,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licenses Granted by Board; Limitations; Revocation and Suspension","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13825,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:26","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:26","permalink":{"id":218831,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14859,"identifier":"2","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2","url":"\/4.1\/I\/2\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13825,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Licenses","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13130,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:00","permalink":{"id":218791,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13825,"identifier":"2","token":"4.1\/I\/2","url":"\/4.1\/I\/2\/","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":79854,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-206","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-206\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-206","metadata":false},{"id":85579,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-206.1","catch_line":"Manufacturer licenses","url":"\/4.1-206.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-206.1","metadata":false},{"id":64438,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-206.2","catch_line":"Wholesale licenses","url":"\/4.1-206.2\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-206.2","metadata":false},{"id":71341,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-206.3","catch_line":"Retail licenses","url":"\/4.1-206.3\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-206.3","metadata":false},{"id":61956,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-207","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-207\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-207","metadata":false},{"id":76919,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-207.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-207.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-207.1","metadata":false},{"id":74961,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-208","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-208\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-208","metadata":false},{"id":69143,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-209","catch_line":"Wine and beer license privileges; advertising; displays; tastings","url":"\/4.1-209\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-209","metadata":false},{"id":56854,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-209.1","catch_line":"Direct shipment of wine and beer; shipper's license","url":"\/4.1-209.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-209.1","metadata":false},{"id":75458,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-210","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-210\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-210","metadata":false},{"id":79818,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-211","catch_line":"Temporary licenses","url":"\/4.1-211\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-211","metadata":false},{"id":78252,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-212","catch_line":"Permits required in certain instances","url":"\/4.1-212\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-212","metadata":false},{"id":63303,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-212.1","catch_line":"Delivery of wine and beer; kegs; regulations of Board","url":"\/4.1-212.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-212.1","metadata":false},{"id":71769,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-212.2","catch_line":"Third-party deliveries; limitations; penalties","url":"\/4.1-212.2\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-212.2","metadata":false},{"id":70957,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-213","catch_line":"Manufacture and sale of cider","url":"\/4.1-213\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-213","metadata":false},{"id":59198,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-214","catch_line":"Limitations on licenses; sale outside the Commonwealth","url":"\/4.1-214\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-214","metadata":false},{"id":82323,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-215","catch_line":"Limitation on manufacturers, bottlers, and wholesalers; exemptions","url":"\/4.1-215\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-215","metadata":false},{"id":68333,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-216","catch_line":"Further limitations on manufacturers, bottlers, importers, brokers or wholesalers; ownership interests prohibited; exceptions; prohibited trade practices","url":"\/4.1-216\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-216","metadata":false},{"id":83813,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-216.1","catch_line":"Point-of-sale advertising materials authorized under certain conditions; civil penalties","url":"\/4.1-216.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-216.1","metadata":false},{"id":75252,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-217","catch_line":"Limitation on brewery licenses","url":"\/4.1-217\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-217","metadata":false},{"id":74830,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-218","catch_line":"Limitation on wine and beer importers","url":"\/4.1-218\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-218","metadata":false},{"id":67187,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-219","catch_line":"Limitations on Class I, II, III, and IV farm wineries","url":"\/4.1-219\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-219","metadata":false},{"id":77840,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-220","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-220\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-220","metadata":false},{"id":78481,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-221","catch_line":"Limitation on mixed beverage licensees; exceptions","url":"\/4.1-221\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-221","metadata":false},{"id":57397,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-221.1","catch_line":"Limitation of tasting licenses","url":"\/4.1-221.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-221.1","metadata":false},{"id":80682,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-222","catch_line":"Conditions under which Board may refuse to grant licenses","url":"\/4.1-222\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-222","metadata":false},{"id":86989,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-223","catch_line":"Conditions under which Board shall refuse to grant licenses","url":"\/4.1-223\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-223","metadata":false},{"id":59746,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-224","catch_line":"Notice and hearings for refusal to grant licenses; Administrative Process Act; exceptions","url":"\/4.1-224\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-224","metadata":false},{"id":56780,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-225","catch_line":"Grounds for which Board may suspend or revoke licenses; exception","url":"\/4.1-225\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-225","metadata":false},{"id":59182,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-225.1","catch_line":"Summary suspension in emergency circumstances; grounds; notice and hearing","url":"\/4.1-225.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-225.1","metadata":false},{"id":70174,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-226","catch_line":"Grounds for which Board shall suspend or revoke licenses","url":"\/4.1-226\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-226","metadata":false},{"id":79871,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-227","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of licenses; notice and hearings; imposition of penalties","url":"\/4.1-227\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-227","metadata":false},{"id":74907,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-228","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation; disposition of beverages on hand; termination","url":"\/4.1-228\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-228","metadata":false},{"id":84633,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-229","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of permits; grounds; notice and hearing; exception","url":"\/4.1-229\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-229","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":59198,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-214","catch_line":"Limitations on licenses; sale outside the Commonwealth","url":"\/4.1-214\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-214","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":68333,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-216","catch_line":"Further limitations on manufacturers, bottlers, importers, brokers or wholesalers; ownership interests prohibited; exceptions; prohibited trade practices","url":"\/4.1-216\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-216","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/4.1-215\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 15 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 1978, chapter 108; in 1982, chapter 66; in 1984, chapter 68; in 1993, chapter 866; in 1995, chapters 456<\/a> and 630<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 1029<\/a> and 1030<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 784<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 99<\/a> and 799<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 266<\/a> and 604<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 604<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 132<\/a> and 141<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 159<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 734<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 1113<\/a> and 1114<\/a>; in 2025, chapters 126<\/a> and 130<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67886,"section_number":"4.1-111","catch_line":"Regulations of Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-111\/"},{"id":71341,"section_number":"4.1-206.3","catch_line":"Retail licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-206.3\/"},{"id":83813,"section_number":"4.1-216.1","catch_line":"Point-of-sale advertising materials authorized under certain conditions; civil penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-216.1\/"},{"id":83440,"section_number":"4.1-231.1","catch_line":"Fees on state licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-231.1\/"},{"id":58142,"section_number":"4.1-233.1","catch_line":"Fees on local licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-233.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":58089,"section_number":"4.1-201","catch_line":"Conduct not prohibited by this subtitle; limitation","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-201\/"},{"id":85579,"section_number":"4.1-206.1","catch_line":"Manufacturer licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-206.1\/"},{"id":71341,"section_number":"4.1-206.3","catch_line":"Retail licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-206.3\/"},{"id":56854,"section_number":"4.1-209.1","catch_line":"Direct shipment of wine and beer; shipper's license","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-209.1\/"},{"id":63303,"section_number":"4.1-212.1","catch_line":"Delivery of wine and beer; kegs; regulations of Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-212.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":218897,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82323,"identifier":"4.1-215","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-215","url":"\/4.1-215\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/4.1-215\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-215","dublin_core":{"Title":"Limitation on manufacturers, bottlers, and wholesalers; exemptions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 4.1-215","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> 1. Unless exempted pursuant to subsection B, no retail license for the sale<\/span> of alcoholic beverages<\/span> shall be granted to any (i) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages<\/span>, whether licensed<\/span> in the Commonwealth or not; (ii) officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iii) partnership or corporation, where any partner or stockholder is an officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iv) corporation which is a subsidiary of a corporation which owns or has interest in another subsidiary corporation which is a manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages<\/span>; or (v) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages<\/span> who has a financial interest in a corporation which has a retail license as a result of a holding company, which owns or has an interest in such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages<\/span>. Nor shall such licenses be granted in any instances where such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler and such retailer are under common control, by stock ownership or otherwise. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of wine<\/span> or malt beverages, or two or more of such manufacturers together, whether licensed<\/span> in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license as provided in § 4.1-206.3<\/a> upon application to the Board<\/span>, provided that the event for which a banquet license is obtained is (i) at a place approved by the Board<\/span> and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming public about wine<\/span> or malt beverage products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to eight banquet licenses, whether or not jointly obtained, for such events per year without regard to the number of wineries or breweries owned or operated by such manufacturer or by any parent, subsidiary, or company under common control with such manufacturer. Where the event occurs on no more than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for the event. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of distilled spirits<\/span>, whether licensed<\/span> in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license for a special event<\/span> as provided in subdivision D 1 b of § 4.1-206.3<\/a> upon application to the Board<\/span>, provided that such event is (i) at a place approved by the Board<\/span> and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming public about the manufacturer’s spirits<\/span> products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to no more than eight banquet licenses for such special events<\/span> per year. Where the event occurs on no more than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for the event. Such banquet license shall authorize the manufacturer to sell<\/span> or give samples of spirits<\/span> to any person to whom alcoholic beverages<\/span> may be lawfully sold in designated areas<\/span> at the special event<\/span>, provided that (a) no single sample shall exceed one-half ounce per spirits<\/span> product offered, unless served as a mixed beverage<\/span>, in which case a single sample may contain up to one and one-half ounces of spirits<\/span>, and (b) no more than three ounces of spirits<\/span> may be offered to any patron per day. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit such manufacturer from serving such samples as part of a mixed beverage<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> This section shall not apply to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Corporations operating dining cars, buffet cars, club<\/span> cars, or boats; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Brewery, distillery, or winery licensees<\/span> engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Farm winery<\/span> licensees<\/span> engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision 6 of § 4.1-206.1<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Manufacturers, bottlers, or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages<\/span> who do not sell<\/span> or otherwise furnish, directly or indirectly, alcoholic beverages<\/span> or other merchandise to persons holding a retail license or banquet license as described in subsection A; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Wineries, farm wineries, or breweries engaging in conduct authorized by subsection F of § 4.1-206.3<\/a> or § 4.1-209.1<\/a> or 4.1-212.1<\/a>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> One out-of-state winery, not under common control or ownership with any other winery, that is under common ownership or control with one restaurant<\/span> licensed<\/span> to sell<\/span> wine<\/span> at retail in Virginia, so long as any wine<\/span> produced by that winery is purchased from a Virginia wholesale wine<\/span> licensee<\/span> by the restaurant<\/span> before it is offered for sale<\/span> to consumers. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The General Assembly finds that it is necessary and proper to require a separation between manufacturing interests, wholesale interests, and retail interests in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages<\/span> in order<\/span> to prevent suppliers from dominating local markets through vertical integration and to prevent excessive sales<\/span> of alcoholic beverages<\/span> caused by overly aggressive marketing techniques. The exceptions established by this section to the general prohibition against tied interests shall be limited to their express terms so as not to undermine the general prohibition and shall therefore be construed accordingly. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLIMITATION ON MANUFACTURERS, BOTTLERS, AND WHOLESALERS; EXEMPTIONS (\u00a7 4.1-215)\n\nA. 1. Unless exempted pursuant to subsection B, no retail license for the sale\nof alcoholic beverages shall be granted to any (i) manufacturer, bottler, or\nwholesaler of alcoholic beverages, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not;\n(ii) officer or director of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iii)\npartnership or corporation, where any partner or stockholder is an officer or\ndirector of any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler; (iv) corporation\nwhich is a subsidiary of a corporation which owns or has interest in another\nsubsidiary corporation which is a manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of\nalcoholic beverages; or (v) manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic\nbeverages who has a financial interest in a corporation which has a retail\nlicense as a result of a holding company, which owns or has an interest in such\nmanufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages. Nor shall such\nlicenses be granted in any instances where such manufacturer, bottler, or\nwholesaler and such retailer are under common control, by stock ownership or\notherwise.\n\n 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of\n wine or malt beverages, or two or more of such manufacturers together, whether\n licensed in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a banquet license as provided\n in § 4.1-206.3 upon application to the Board, provided that the event for\n which a banquet license is obtained is (i) at a place approved by the Board\n and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring and educating the consuming\n public about wine or malt beverage products. Such manufacturer shall be\n limited to eight banquet licenses, whether or not jointly obtained, for such\n events per year without regard to the number of wineries or breweries owned or\n operated by such manufacturer or by any parent, subsidiary, or company under\n common control with such manufacturer. Where the event occurs on no more than\n three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license for\n the event.\n\n 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a manufacturer of\n distilled spirits, whether licensed in the Commonwealth or not, may obtain a\n banquet license for a special event as provided in subdivision D 1 b of §\n 4.1-206.3 upon application to the Board, provided that such event is (i) at a\n place approved by the Board and (ii) conducted for the purposes of featuring\n and educating the consuming public about the manufacturer’s spirits\n products. Such manufacturer shall be limited to no more than eight banquet\n licenses for such special events per year. Where the event occurs on no more\n than three consecutive days, a manufacturer need only obtain one such license\n for the event. Such banquet license shall authorize the manufacturer to sell\n or give samples of spirits to any person to whom alcoholic beverages may be\n lawfully sold in designated areas at the special event, provided that (a) no\n single sample shall exceed one-half ounce per spirits product offered, unless\n served as a mixed beverage, in which case a single sample may contain up to\n one and one-half ounces of spirits, and (b) no more than three ounces of\n spirits may be offered to any patron per day. Nothing in this paragraph shall\n prohibit such manufacturer from serving such samples as part of a mixed\n beverage.\n\nB. This section shall not apply to:\n\n 1. Corporations operating dining cars, buffet cars, club cars, or boats;\n\n 2. Brewery, distillery, or winery licensees engaging in conduct authorized by\n subdivision A 5 of § 4.1-201;\n\n 3. Farm winery licensees engaging in conduct authorized by subdivision 6 of\n § 4.1-206.1;\n\n 4. Manufacturers, bottlers, or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages who do not\n sell or otherwise furnish, directly or indirectly, alcoholic beverages or\n other merchandise to persons holding a retail license or banquet license as\n described in subsection A;\n\n 5. Wineries, farm wineries, or breweries engaging in conduct authorized by\n subsection F of § 4.1-206.3 or § 4.1-209.1 or 4.1-212.1; or\n\n 6. One out-of-state winery, not under common control or ownership with any\n other winery, that is under common ownership or control with one restaurant\n licensed to sell wine at retail in Virginia, so long as any wine produced by\n that winery is purchased from a Virginia wholesale wine licensee by the\n restaurant before it is offered for sale to consumers.\n\nC. The General Assembly finds that it is necessary and proper to require a\nseparation between manufacturing interests, wholesale interests, and retail\ninterests in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages in order to\nprevent suppliers from dominating local markets through vertical integration and\nto prevent excessive sales of alcoholic beverages caused by overly aggressive\nmarketing techniques. The exceptions established by this section to the general\nprohibition against tied interests shall be limited to their express terms so as\nnot to undermine the general prohibition and shall therefore be construed\naccordingly.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 4-32; 1978, c. 108; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 68, \u00a7 4-32.1;\n1993, c. 866; 1995, cc. 456, 630; 2003, cc. 1029, 1030; 2005, c. 784; 2007, cc.\n99, 799; 2013, cc. 266, 604; 2015, c. 604; 2016, cc. 132, 141; 2017, c. 159;\n2018, c. 734; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114; 2025, cc. 126, 130.","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}}