{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/4.1-222.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/4.1-222.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/4.1-222.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/4.1-222.html"}],"law_id":80682,"edition_id":1,"section_id":80682,"structure_id":14859,"section_number":"4.1-222","catch_line":"Conditions under which Board may refuse to grant licenses","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 4-31; 1954, c. 301; 1956, c. 523; 1972, c. 178; 1974, c. 267; 1976, cc. 67, 698; 1978, c. 446; 1980, c. 299; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 703; 1986, cc. 94, 615; 1989, c. 311; 1990, c. 727; 1992, c. 161; 1993, c. 866; 1997, c. 801; 2002, c. 420; 2007, c. 103; 2020, c. 534.","full_text":"The Board may refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that:\n\n1\n\nThe applicant, or if the applicant is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the applicant is an association, any member thereof, or limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the applicant is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the applicant is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:\n\t\t\ta. Is not 21 years of age or older;\n\t\t\tb. Has been convicted in any court of a felony or any crime or offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of any state, or of the United States;\n\t\t\tc. Has been convicted, within the five years immediately preceding the date of the application for such license, of a violation of any law applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages;\n\t\t\td. Is not a person of good moral character and repute;\n\t\t\te. Is not the legitimate owner of the business proposed to be licensed, or other persons have ownership interests in the business which have not been disclosed;\n\t\t\tf. Has not demonstrated financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business proposed to be licensed;\n\t\t\tg. Has maintained a noisy, lewd, disorderly or unsanitary establishment;\n\t\t\th. Has demonstrated, either by his police record or by his record as a former licensee of the Board, a lack of respect for law and order;\n\t\t\ti. Is unable to speak, understand, read and write the English language in a reasonably satisfactory manner;\n\t\t\tj. Is a person to whom alcoholic beverages may not be sold under § 4.1-304;\n\t\t\tk. Has the general reputation of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess or is addicted to the use of narcotics;\n\t\t\tl. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for a license;\n\t\t\tm. Has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board, or any federal, state or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or filing any report, document or tax return required by statute or regulation which is fraudulent or contains a false representation of a material fact; or has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board, or any federal, state or local government, or governmental agency or authority, by making or maintaining business records required by statute or regulation which are false and fraudulent;\n\t\t\tn. Is violating or allowing the violation of any provision of this subtitle in his establishment at the time his application for a license is pending;\n\t\t\to. Is a police officer with police authority in the political subdivision within which the establishment designated in the application is located;\n\t\t\tp. Is physically unable to carry on the business for which the application for a license is filed or has been adjudicated incapacitated; or\n\t\t\tq. Is a member, agent or employee of the Board.2\n\nThe place to be occupied by the applicant:\n\t\t\ta. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city or town in which such place is located with respect to sanitation, health, construction or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulation;\n\t\t\tb. Is so located that granting a license and operation thereunder by the applicant would result in violations of this subtitle, Board regulations, or violation of the laws of the Commonwealth or local ordinances relating to peace and good order;\n\t\t\tc. Is so located with respect to any church; synagogue; hospital; public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; public or private playground or other similar recreational facility; or any state, local, or federal government-operated facility, that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect or interfere with the normal, orderly conduct of the affairs of such facilities or institutions;\n\t\t\td. Is so located with respect to any residence or residential area that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect real property values or substantially interfere with the usual quietude and tranquility of such residence or residential area; or\n\t\t\te. Under a retail on-premises license is so constructed, arranged or illuminated that law-enforcement officers and special agents of the Board are prevented from ready access to and reasonable observation of any room or area within which alcoholic beverages are to be sold or consumed.3\n\nThe number of licenses existent in the locality is such that the granting of a license is detrimental to the interest, morals, safety or welfare of the public. In reaching such conclusion the Board shall consider the (i) character of, population of, the number of similar licenses and the number of all licenses existent in the particular county, city or town and the immediate neighborhood concerned; (ii) effect which a new license may have on such county, city, town or neighborhood in conforming with the purposes of this subtitle; and (iii) objections, if any, which may have been filed by a local governing body or local residents.4\n\nThere exists any law, ordinance, or regulation of the United States, the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, which warrants refusal by the Board to grant any license.5\n\nThe Board is not authorized under this chapter to grant such license.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":289163,"text":"The Board may refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":289164,"text":"The applicant, or if the applicant is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the applicant is an association, any member thereof, or limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the applicant is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the applicant is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:\n\t\t\ta. Is not 21 years of age or older;\n\t\t\tb. Has been convicted in any court of a felony or any crime or offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of any state, or of the United States;\n\t\t\tc. Has been convicted, within the five years immediately preceding the date of the application for such license, of a violation of any law applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages;\n\t\t\td. Is not a person of good moral character and repute;\n\t\t\te. Is not the legitimate owner of the business proposed to be licensed, or other persons have ownership interests in the business which have not been disclosed;\n\t\t\tf. Has not demonstrated financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business proposed to be licensed;\n\t\t\tg. Has maintained a noisy, lewd, disorderly or unsanitary establishment;\n\t\t\th. Has demonstrated, either by his police record or by his record as a former licensee of the Board, a lack of respect for law and order;\n\t\t\ti. Is unable to speak, understand, read and write the English language in a reasonably satisfactory manner;\n\t\t\tj. Is a person to whom alcoholic beverages may not be sold under § 4.1-304;\n\t\t\tk. Has the general reputation of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess or is addicted to the use of narcotics;\n\t\t\tl. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for a license;\n\t\t\tm. Has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board, or any federal, state or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or filing any report, document or tax return required by statute or regulation which is fraudulent or contains a false representation of a material fact; or has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board, or any federal, state or local government, or governmental agency or authority, by making or maintaining business records required by statute or regulation which are false and fraudulent;\n\t\t\tn. Is violating or allowing the violation of any provision of this subtitle in his establishment at the time his application for a license is pending;\n\t\t\to. Is a police officer with police authority in the political subdivision within which the establishment designated in the application is located;\n\t\t\tp. Is physically unable to carry on the business for which the application for a license is filed or has been adjudicated incapacitated; or\n\t\t\tq. Is a member, agent or employee of the Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":289165,"text":"The place to be occupied by the applicant:\n\t\t\ta. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city or town in which such place is located with respect to sanitation, health, construction or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulation;\n\t\t\tb. Is so located that granting a license and operation thereunder by the applicant would result in violations of this subtitle, Board regulations, or violation of the laws of the Commonwealth or local ordinances relating to peace and good order;\n\t\t\tc. Is so located with respect to any church; synagogue; hospital; public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; public or private playground or other similar recreational facility; or any state, local, or federal government-operated facility, that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect or interfere with the normal, orderly conduct of the affairs of such facilities or institutions;\n\t\t\td. Is so located with respect to any residence or residential area that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect real property values or substantially interfere with the usual quietude and tranquility of such residence or residential area; or\n\t\t\te. Under a retail on-premises license is so constructed, arranged or illuminated that law-enforcement officers and special agents of the Board are prevented from ready access to and reasonable observation of any room or area within which alcoholic beverages are to be sold or consumed.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":289166,"text":"The number of licenses existent in the locality is such that the granting of a license is detrimental to the interest, morals, safety or welfare of the public. In reaching such conclusion the Board shall consider the (i) character of, population of, the number of similar licenses and the number of all licenses existent in the particular county, city or town and the immediate neighborhood concerned; (ii) effect which a new license may have on such county, city, town or neighborhood in conforming with the purposes of this subtitle; and (iii) objections, if any, which may have been filed by a local governing body or local residents.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":289167,"text":"There exists any law, ordinance, or regulation of the United States, the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, which warrants refusal by the Board to grant any license.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":289168,"text":"The Board is not authorized under this chapter to grant such license.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/4.1-222\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 18 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 301; in 1956, chapter 523; in 1972, chapter 178; in 1974, chapter 267; in 1976, chapters 67 and 698; in 1978, chapter 446; in 1980, chapter 299; in 1982, chapter 66; in 1984, chapter 703; in 1986, chapters 94 and 615; in 1989, chapter 311; in 1990, chapter 727; in 1992, chapter 161; in 1993, chapter 866; in 1997, chapter 801<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 420<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 103<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 534<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":69875,"section_number":"4.1-130","catch_line":"Importation of beverages not under customs or internal revenue bonds; storage in approved warehouses; release","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-130\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84231,"section_number":"4.1-304","catch_line":"Persons to whom alcoholic beverages may not be sold; proof of legal age; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-304\/"}],"permalink":{"id":218933,"object_type":"law","relational_id":80682,"identifier":"4.1-222","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-222","url":"\/4.1-222\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/4.1-222\/","token":"4.1\/I\/2\/2\/4.1-222","dublin_core":{"Title":"Conditions under which Board may refuse to grant licenses","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 4.1-222","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Board<\/span> may refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The applicant, or if the applicant is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the applicant is an association, any member thereof, or limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the applicant is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the applicant is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:\n\t\t\ta. Is not 21 years of age or older;\n\t\t\tb. Has been convicted in any court<\/span> of a felony<\/span> or any crime<\/span> or offense<\/span> involving moral turpitude<\/span> under the laws<\/span> of any state, or of the United States;\n\t\t\tc. Has been convicted, within the five years immediately preceding the date of the application for such license, of a violation of any law<\/span> applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession<\/span>, use or sale<\/span> of alcoholic beverages<\/span>;\n\t\t\td. Is not a person of good moral character and repute;\n\t\t\te. Is not the legitimate owner of the business proposed to be licensed<\/span>, or other persons have ownership interests in the business which have not been disclosed;\n\t\t\tf. Has not demonstrated financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business proposed to be licensed<\/span>;\n\t\t\tg. Has maintained a noisy, lewd, disorderly or unsanitary establishment<\/span>;\n\t\t\th. Has demonstrated, either by his police record or by his record as a former licensee<\/span> of the Board<\/span>, a lack of respect for law<\/span> and order<\/span>;\n\t\t\ti. Is unable to speak, understand, read and write the English language in a reasonably satisfactory manner;\n\t\t\tj. Is a person to whom alcoholic beverages<\/span> may not be sold under § 4.1-304<\/a>;\n\t\t\tk. Has the general reputation of drinking alcoholic beverages<\/span> to excess or is addicted to the use of narcotics;\n\t\t\tl. Has misrepresented a material<\/span> fact<\/span> in applying to the Board<\/span> for a license;\n\t\t\tm. Has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board<\/span>, or any federal, state or local government or governmental agency or authority<\/span>, by making or filing any report, document or tax return required by statute<\/span> or regulation which is fraudulent or contains a false representation of a material<\/span> fact<\/span>; or has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board<\/span>, or any federal, state or local government, or governmental agency or authority<\/span>, by making or maintaining business records required by statute<\/span> or regulation which are false and fraudulent;\n\t\t\tn. Is violating or allowing the violation of any provision of this subtitle in his establishment<\/span> at the time his application for a license is pending;\n\t\t\to. Is a police officer with police authority<\/span> in the political subdivision within which the establishment<\/span> designated in the application is located;\n\t\t\tp. Is physically unable to carry on the business for which the application for a license is filed or has been adjudicated incapacitated; or\n\t\t\tq. Is a member, agent or employee of the Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The place to be occupied by the applicant:\n\t\t\ta. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city or town in which such place is located with respect to sanitation, health, construction or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth or by Board<\/span> regulation;\n\t\t\tb. Is so located that granting a license and operation thereunder by the applicant would result in violations of this subtitle, Board<\/span> regulations, or violation of the laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth or local ordinances<\/span> relating to peace and good order<\/span>;\n\t\t\tc. Is so located with respect to any church; synagogue; hospital; public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; public or private playground or other similar recreational facility; or any state, local, or federal government-operated facility, that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect or interfere with the normal, orderly conduct of the affairs of such facilities or institutions;\n\t\t\td. Is so located with respect to any residence<\/span> or residential area that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect real property values or substantially interfere with the usual quietude and tranquility of such residence<\/span> or residential area; or\n\t\t\te. Under a retail on-premises license is so constructed, arranged or illuminated that law<\/span>-enforcement officers and special agents<\/span> of the Board<\/span> are prevented from ready access to and reasonable observation of any room or area within which alcoholic beverages<\/span> are to be sold or consumed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The number of licenses existent in the locality is such that the granting of a license is detrimental to the interest, morals, safety or welfare of the public. In reaching such conclusion the Board<\/span> shall consider the (i) character of, population of, the number of similar licenses and the number of all licenses existent in the particular county, city or town and the immediate neighborhood concerned; (ii) effect which a new license may have on such county, city, town or neighborhood in conforming with the purposes of this subtitle; and (iii) objections, if any, which may have been filed by a local governing body or local residents. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> There exists any law<\/span>, ordinance<\/span>, or regulation of the United States, the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, which warrants refusal by the Board<\/span> to grant any license. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The Board<\/span> is not authorized under this chapter to grant such license. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONDITIONS UNDER WHICH BOARD MAY REFUSE TO GRANT LICENSES (\u00a7 4.1-222)\n\nThe Board may refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe\nthat:\n\n1. The applicant, or if the applicant is a partnership, any general partner\nthereof, or if the applicant is an association, any member thereof, or limited\npartner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the applicant is a\ncorporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of\nits capital stock, or if the applicant is a limited liability company, any\nmember-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership\ninterest of the limited liability company:\n\t\t\ta. Is not 21 years of age or older;\n\t\t\tb. Has been convicted in any court of a felony or any crime or offense\ninvolving moral turpitude under the laws of any state, or of the United States;\n\t\t\tc. Has been convicted, within the five years immediately preceding the date\nof the application for such license, of a violation of any law applicable to the\nmanufacture, transportation, possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages;\n\t\t\td. Is not a person of good moral character and repute;\n\t\t\te. Is not the legitimate owner of the business proposed to be licensed, or\nother persons have ownership interests in the business which have not been\ndisclosed;\n\t\t\tf. Has not demonstrated financial responsibility sufficient to meet the\nrequirements of the business proposed to be licensed;\n\t\t\tg. Has maintained a noisy, lewd, disorderly or unsanitary establishment;\n\t\t\th. Has demonstrated, either by his police record or by his record as a former\nlicensee of the Board, a lack of respect for law and order;\n\t\t\ti. Is unable to speak, understand, read and write the English language in a\nreasonably satisfactory manner;\n\t\t\tj. Is a person to whom alcoholic beverages may not be sold under §\n4.1-304;\n\t\t\tk. Has the general reputation of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess or is\naddicted to the use of narcotics;\n\t\t\tl. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for a license;\n\t\t\tm. Has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board, or any federal, state or\nlocal government or governmental agency or authority, by making or filing any\nreport, document or tax return required by statute or regulation which is\nfraudulent or contains a false representation of a material fact; or has\nwillfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board, or any federal, state or\nlocal government, or governmental agency or authority, by making or maintaining\nbusiness records required by statute or regulation which are false and\nfraudulent;\n\t\t\tn. Is violating or allowing the violation of any provision of this subtitle\nin his establishment at the time his application for a license is pending;\n\t\t\to. Is a police officer with police authority in the political subdivision\nwithin which the establishment designated in the application is located;\n\t\t\tp. Is physically unable to carry on the business for which the application\nfor a license is filed or has been adjudicated incapacitated; or\n\t\t\tq. Is a member, agent or employee of the Board.\n\n2. The place to be occupied by the applicant:\n\t\t\ta. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county,\ncity or town in which such place is located with respect to sanitation, health,\nconstruction or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the\nlaws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulation;\n\t\t\tb. Is so located that granting a license and operation thereunder by the\napplicant would result in violations of this subtitle, Board regulations, or\nviolation of the laws of the Commonwealth or local ordinances relating to peace\nand good order;\n\t\t\tc. Is so located with respect to any church; synagogue; hospital; public,\nprivate, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; public or\nprivate playground or other similar recreational facility; or any state, local,\nor federal government-operated facility, that the operation of such place under\nsuch license will adversely affect or interfere with the normal, orderly conduct\nof the affairs of such facilities or institutions;\n\t\t\td. Is so located with respect to any residence or residential area that the\noperation of such place under such license will adversely affect real property\nvalues or substantially interfere with the usual quietude and tranquility of\nsuch residence or residential area; or\n\t\t\te. Under a retail on-premises license is so constructed, arranged or\nilluminated that law-enforcement officers and special agents of the Board are\nprevented from ready access to and reasonable observation of any room or area\nwithin which alcoholic beverages are to be sold or consumed.\n\n3. The number of licenses existent in the locality is such that the granting of\na license is detrimental to the interest, morals, safety or welfare of the\npublic. In reaching such conclusion the Board shall consider the (i) character\nof, population of, the number of similar licenses and the number of all licenses\nexistent in the particular county, city or town and the immediate neighborhood\nconcerned; (ii) effect which a new license may have on such county, city, town\nor neighborhood in conforming with the purposes of this subtitle; and (iii)\nobjections, if any, which may have been filed by a local governing body or local\nresidents.\n\n4. There exists any law, ordinance, or regulation of the United States, the\nCommonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, which warrants refusal by the\nBoard to grant any license.\n\n5. The Board is not authorized under this chapter to grant such license.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 4-31; 1954, c. 301; 1956, c. 523; 1972, c. 178; 1974, c.\n267; 1976, cc. 67, 698; 1978, c. 446; 1980, c. 299; 1982, c. 66; 1984, c. 703;\n1986, cc. 94, 615; 1989, c. 311; 1990, c. 727; 1992, c. 161; 1993, c. 866; 1997,\nc. 801; 2002, c. 420; 2007, c. 103; 2020, c. 534.","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}}