About Virginia Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control

works to ensure that adults of legal age who choose to responsibly consume alcohol can do so in a safe environment - one that operates in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth. ABC special agents have full police powers with a diverse range of duties - from investigating license applicants and conducting underage sale compliance checks, to enforcing criminal and ABC laws in more than 15,000 licensed establishments. Criminal activities ranging from drugs and gambling to money laundering and tax evasion are investigated and prosecuted through the court system. ABC special agents also participate in state, local and federal investigations involving crimes such as illegal liquor manufacture and distribution, cigarette smuggling, drug distribution and more.