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Bill

HB 980

Alcoholic beverage control; voluntary no-buy program, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Garrett

Bill allows Virginia courts to mandate alcoholic beverage purchase restrictions as part of criminal sentencing or legal proceedings.

Left in Committee Appropriations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 980

Legislative bill overview

HB 980 would allow Virginia courts to order individuals into the state's voluntary alcoholic beverage exclusion program as part of sentencing or legal proceedings. The bill creates a mechanism for court-mandated inclusion on the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority's list of excluded persons, preventing those individuals from purchasing alcohol at licensed retailers.

Why is this important

This bill bridges alcohol control policy with the criminal justice system, potentially offering courts an additional sentencing tool for alcohol-related offenses or conditions. It could affect individuals struggling with alcohol dependency by creating a legally enforceable purchase restriction that complements treatment or probation conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Whether court-ordered inclusion without an individual's consent raises constitutional questions about self-imposed restrictions versus government mandates
  • Effectiveness debate: Uncertainty about whether legal purchase restrictions actually reduce harmful alcohol consumption or simply shift purchasing patterns (out-of-state, illegal sources)
  • Scope and fairness: Questions about which offenses or circumstances warrant this intervention and whether it disproportionately affects certain populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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