“Sin” businesses slow for state

Business is slowing at state agencies that make a profit, but both the Virginia Lottery and the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control have some new strategies to get back in growth mode.

And the other departments could use the help. Gov. Tim Kaine has asked state agencies to submit plans with 5, 10, and 15 percent cuts to help balance an anticipated $1.4 billion shortfall.

Although state governments across the country are dealing with slowing lottery revenue – something previously thought inconceivable – Kaine has not issued any directives to the state lottery to squeeze out more profit or boost revenue considerably, and Virginia has not made any quick moves to help out the industry. Read more

New ABC program may eventually soften the hated 45% ratio

Virginia legislators can raise a drink to the conclusion of another General Assembly. And to all the time they spent debating blue laws.

In fact, out of more than 15 new laws regarding the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, six made specifications pertaining directly to blended alcoholic beverages or their vendors.

But the often-ridiculed law that requires restaurants to sell a minimum dollar value of food based on liquor sales has shown extraordinary staying power, in part because a powerful beer and wine lobby opposes upsetting the status quo. Read more

100-proof doesn’t mean recession-proof

The state-run business of selling liquor is showing signs of a hangover. Sales to bars and restaurants for January were down 3 percent compared with the previous year. Read more

Liquor sales up, but more drink at home

For many Virginians, it looks like hard liquor isn’t considered discretionary spending.

Sales at Virginia ABC stores are up 6.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago, according to fiscal year-to-date (July-November) sales figures from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Read more