Retail Distribution Systems for Spirits

"Agency liquor stores" in New Hampshire, like "contract stores" in other jurisdictions, are off-premises retail alcohol outlets operated on behalf of the State under contractual arrangements between the State and private contractors, under a State-run system.

The retail distribution system for spirit-based beverages containing less than 4 percent ABV is not specifically addressed in Ohio statutes or regulations.

The retail distribution system for spirit-based beverages containing up to and including 5 percent ABV is not specifically addressed in Oregon statutes or regulations.

Beginning on May 5th, 2009, Vermont permits licensed manufacturers and rectifiers to sell spirits by the bottle at retail, either on the manufacturer's or rectifier's premises under a manufacturer's or rectifier's license, or at a special event under a special events permit granted by the liquor control board.

In 1990, the West Virginia legislature declared its intent to privatize the retail sale of liquor – defined as alcohol, wine, spirits, and any beer greater than 9.60 percent ABW (4.20 percent ABW prior to July 9, 2009) – while retaining control over the distribution of liquor at wholesale. See W. Va. Code § 60-3A-2. This transition is effected by W. Va. Code § 60-3A-3, which states that “[n]otwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the sale of liquor by retail licensees in accordance with the provisions of this article is lawful,” and that “[u]pon the opening of a retail outlet in any market zone, the State shall, as soon as practicable, discontinue operating any and all State liquor stores and agency stores within the market zone so long as a retail outlet is in operation in the market zone.”

In 1990, the West Virginia legislature declared its intent to privatize the retail sale of liquor – defined as alcohol, wine, spirits, and any beer greater than 9.60 percent ABW (4.20 percent ABW prior to July 9, 2009) – while retaining control over the distribution of liquor at wholesale. See W. Va. Code § 60-3A-2. This transition is effected by W. Va. Code § 60-3A-3, which states that “[n]otwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the sale of liquor by retail licensees in accordance with the provisions of this article is lawful,” and that “[u]pon the opening of a retail outlet in any market zone, the State shall, as soon as practicable, discontinue operating any and all State liquor stores and agency stores within the market zone so long as a retail outlet is in operation in the market zone.”