Virginia's state-run liquor stores will begin opening two hours earlier on Sundays this summer, the Virginian-Pilot reported.
Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores will open at 10 a.m. instead of noon Sundays to make up for revenue lost after a new law lets craft distilleries keep 20 percent of their profits from sales on their premises — up from 8 percent.
The hour change would not take effect until July 1, a Virginia ABC spokesperson told News4.
Business is booming for Virginia craft distilleries. ABC reports new distilleries are being licensed each year. There are currently 10 in the Northern Virginia region alone.
In fact, the state has loosened alcohol restrictions with a variety of legislation in recent years to encourage business.
In 2017, a new bill increased the maximum proof for grain alcohols to 151. That bill was sponsored by Del. Barry D. Knight, who also sponsored this year's latest law.
Another law that went into effect in 2017 mandated training for ABC employees to recognize and prevent situations that may lead to sexual assault, according to an ABC statement.
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ABC reported its 20th consecutive year of record revenue last year and took in almost $1 billion in profit.
