Virginia creates a state alcohol monopoly (1934)
After the 21st Amendment ended national Prohibition in 1933, states chose how to regulate alcohol. Virginia became a control state, creating its Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in 1934 to sell liquor itself and license other sellers.
The state opened its own liquor stores and began issuing licenses to bars and restaurants.
Restaurants have needed a state ABC license to serve alcohol ever since; the agency's register is where those licenses appear.
This filing is a direct product of that system: a chicken-and-crab restaurant in Alexandria needs the state's approval before it can pour a beer.
