New Virginia ABC Store Opens In Old Town Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A new state-run liquor store is the latest business change in the Southwest Quadrant of Old Town Alexandria.

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, which is the only retail store that liquor can be sold in Virginia, opened its new store at the South Washington Street Shopping Center, 825 S. Washington St. in Alexandria. A grand opening will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday with brief remarks, a ribbon cutting, photos and informal store tours.

"Our teammates look forward to serving customers in Alexandria at this new location,” said Dale Farino, CEO of the Virginia ABC, who will speak at the grand opening. "As Virginia ABC celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, we are proud to serve all Virginians by generating revenues from new stores like this one that help make the commonwealth the best place to live, work and raise a family."

This is the sixth store in the City of Alexandria, and several more stores are located outside city limits. Faccia Luna closed next door at 823 S. Washington Street in late 2023 and was replaced by Frankies Kitchen & Cocktail Bar.

A petition started last year sought to stop the Virginia ABC from opening, ALX Now first reported. Opponents argued that the new Virginia ABC store could increase crime, not contribute to neighborhood-serving business, cause parking issues on neighboring streets and increase non-local traffic.

The 3,700-square-foot store offers over 1,500 products. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Statewide, the Virginia ABC has contributed approximately $2.9 billion to Virginia's general fund over the last five years, according to the authority.