The Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association (“VBWA”) has represented the interests of Virginia’s family owned, independent beer distributors since its founding in 1937. Our members operate some 30 separate facilities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia employing over 4,000 Virginians. VBWA member companies distribute a countless, ever-growing number of brands of imported and domestic beer, including craft beers brewed both in Virginia and in dozens of other states.

VBWA’s primary mission is the preservation and protection of Virginia’s three-tier system of alcohol distribution.  VBWA believes that the three-tier system provides the best method of ensuring distributor and retailer independence, which results in healthier competition, better consumer choice, and a more orderly alcoholic beverage market.

VBWA wishes to commend the Authority for both its efforts to modernize and consolidate its regulations and for its willingness to include stakeholders from every tier in the lengthy review process.  VBWA believes that the proposed amendments reflect the consensus opinion of the workgroups and that these changes are a welcomed improvement for our wholesale-tier members.  

Given the rapidly-evolving nature of the alcoholic beverage industry, VBWA hopes that the Authority will continue to invite the participation of industry members whenever it considers a reinterpretation or change in existing policy that affects those in the business of manufacturing, distributing, or selling alcoholic beverages.