Titles of Regulations: 3VAC5-20. Advertising (amending 3VAC5-20-10, 3VAC5-20-20, 3VAC5-20-30, 3VAC5-20-40, 3VAC5-20-60, 3VAC5-20-90, 3VAC5-20-100; repealing 3VAC5-20-50, 3VAC5-20-70, 3VAC5-20-80).

3VAC5-30. Tied-House (amending 3VAC5-30-10, 3VAC5-30-20, 3VAC5-30-60; adding 3VAC5-30-80).

Statutory Authority: §§ 4.1-111 and 4.1-320 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: March 5, 2010.

Agency Contact: Jeffrey L. Painter, Legislative and Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, P.O. Box 27491, Richmond, VA 23261, telephone (804) 213-4621, FAX (804) 213-4411, TTY (804) 213-4687, or email jeffrey.painter@abc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends the regulations governing the advertising of alcoholic beverages and the tied-house regulations to maintain a reasonable separation between manufacturing and wholesaling interests and retailers of alcoholic beverages. Several outdated advertising regulations are repealed and others are amended to conform to statutory changes or modernize them. Both 3VAC5-20 and 3VAC5-30 are reorganized and certain provisions dealing with limitations on the provision of advertising materials by manufacturers or wholesalers to retailers are now in 3VAC5-30 dealing with tied-house restrictions.

Since the proposed stage, the proposed amendments to 3VAC5-20-100 and 3VAC5-30-30 have been withdrawn. Textual changes made to the regulations are as follows:

1. At the proposed stage, 3VAC5-20-20 prohibited retail licensees from using illuminated advertising materials within their establishments. The final version contains an exemption for back bar pedestals upon which spirits advertising appears.

2. 3VAC5-20-30, as proposed, prohibited any advertising of "Happy Hour" promotions on exterior signs at retail premises. The final version authorizes restaurants to post one two-dimensional sign, not to exceed 17" by 22", containing the terms "Happy Hour" or "Drink Specials" and the hours during which reduced drink prices are charged.

3. The proposed amendments to 3VAC5-20-60 would have allowed manufacturers, wholesalers, or their authorized representatives conducting consumer tasting events to give novelty and specialty advertising items to each consumer participating in the tasting. The final version eliminates the ability of wholesalers to provide such items to consumers at tastings.

4. The proposed version of 3VAC5-20-90 allowed coupons for alcoholic beverages to be distributed over the internet. The final version adds electronic mail as an authorized means of coupon distribution.

5. The proposed version of 3VAC5-30-60 would have allowed manufacturers or wholesalers of wine or beer to sell logoed wine glasses to banquet licensees. The revised final section would extend the privilege to allow all alcoholic beverage manufacturers, their authorized vendors, or wholesalers to sell glasses upon which advertising material may appear to banquet licensees.

6. The proposed version of 3VAC5-30-80 B provided that "manufacturers, bottlers, and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages" may provide certain advertising materials to retailers. The final version adds "authorized vendors" of manufacturers to the list of authorized providers.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

3VAC5-20-10. Advertising; generally; cooperative advertising; federal laws; cider; restrictions.

A. All alcoholic beverage advertising is permitted in this Commonwealth except that which is prohibited or otherwise limited or restricted by regulation of the board and such advertising shall not be blatant or obtrusive. Any editorial or other reading matter in any periodical, publication or newspaper for the publication of which no money or other valuable consideration is paid or promised, directly or indirectly, by or for the benefits of any permittee or licensee does not constitute advertising.

B. There shall be no cooperative advertising as between a producer, manufacturer, bottler, importer or wholesaler and a retailer of alcoholic beverages, except as may be authorized by regulation pursuant to § 4.1-216 of the Code of Virginia. The term "cooperative advertising" shall mean the payment or credit, directly or indirectly, by any manufacturer, bottler, importer or wholesaler whether licensed in this Commonwealth or not to a retailer for all or any portion of advertising done by the retailer.

C. B. Advertising of cider, as defined in § 4.1-213 of the Code of Virginia, shall conform with to the requirements for advertising beer.

D. C. The board may issue a permit authorizing a variance from any of its advertising regulations for good cause shown.

E. D. No advertising shall contain any statement, symbol, depiction or reference that:

1. Would tend to induce minors to drink, or would tend to induce persons to consume to excess;

2. Is lewd, obscene or indecent or is suggestive of any illegal activity;

3. Incorporates the use of any present or former athlete or athletic team or implies that the product enhances athletic prowess; except that, persons granted a license to sell wine or beer may display within their licensed premises point-of-sale advertising materials that incorporate the use of any professional athlete or athletic team, provided that such advertising materials: (i) otherwise comply with the applicable regulations of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and (ii) do not depict any athlete consuming or about to consume alcohol prior to or while engaged in an athletic activity, do not depict an athlete consuming alcohol while the athlete is operating or about to operate a motor vehicle or other machinery, and do not imply that the alcoholic beverage so advertised enhances athletic prowess;

4. Is false or misleading in any material respect, or implies that the product has a curative or therapeutic effect, or is disparaging of a competitor's product;

5. Implies or indicates, directly or indirectly, that the product is government endorsed by the use of flags, seals or other insignia or otherwise;

6. Makes any reference to the intoxicating effect of any alcoholic beverages;

7. Constitutes or contains a contest or sweepstakes where a purchase is required for participation; or

8. Constitutes or contains an offer to pay or provide anything of value conditioned on the purchase of alcoholic beverages, except for refund coupons and combination packaging for wine. Any such combination packaging shall be limited to packaging provided by the manufacturer that is designed to be delivered intact to the consumer.

F. E. The board shall not regulate advertising of nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine so long as (i) a reasonable person by common observation would conclude that the advertising clearly does not represent any advertisement for alcoholic beverages and (ii) the advertising prominently states that the product is nonalcoholic.

3VAC5-20-20. Advertising; interior; retail licensees.

A. As used in this section, the term "advertising materials" means any tangible property of any kind which utilizes words or symbols making reference to any brand or manufacturer of alcoholic beverages; except when used in the advertisement of nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine in accordance with 3VAC5-20-10 F E.

B. The use of advertising materials inside licensed retail establishments shall be subject to the following provisions:

1. B. Retail licensees may use any nonpermanent [ nonilluminated ] advertising material which is neither designed as, nor functions as, permanent point-of-sale advertising material including, but not limited to, nonmechanical advertising material consisting of printed matter appearing on paper, cardboard, canvas or plastic stock; however, canvas advertising materials shall be restricted to fabric banners containing only two-dimensional display surfaces and plastic advertising materials shall be restricted to (i) thin sheets or strips containing only two-dimensional display surfaces or (ii) any inflatable plastic items not in excess of $5.00 in wholesale value. Such advertising materials may be obtained by such retailers from any source, including manufacturers, bottlers and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages who may sell, lend, buy for or give to such retailers such advertising materials; provided, however, that nonpermanent advertising material referring to any brand or manufacturer of spirits may only be provided to mixed beverage licensees and may not be provided by beer and wine wholesalers, or their employees, unless they hold a spirits solicitor's permit; materials having a wholesale value of not more than $250 per item that comply with 3VAC5-20-10 inside licensed retail establishments. [ Advertising materials may not be illuminated, except for back bar pedestals upon which advertising matter regarding spirits may appear. ]

2. Retail on-premises and on-and-off-premises licensees may use any mechanical or illuminated devices which are designed or manufactured to serve as permanent point-of-sale advertising. Such advertising devices may be obtained and displayed by retailers provided that any such devices do not make reference to brands of alcoholic beverages offered for sale in such retail establishment or to brands or the name of any manufacturer whose alcoholic beverage products are offered for sale in such retail establishment and, provided further, that such advertising materials are not supplied, installed, maintained or otherwise serviced by any manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages, and that no such advertising relating to spirits shall be authorized in an establishment not licensed to sell mixed beverages;

3. Notwithstanding subdivision B 2, retail licensees may display any permanent point-of-sale advertising pertaining to nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine. Any such brand of nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine may be offered for sale in the retail establishment. Such permanent point-of-sale advertising may not be supplied, installed, maintained or otherwise serviced by any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages;

4. Advertising materials described in the following categories may be displayed inside a retail establishment by a retail licensee provided that any conditions or limitations stated in regard to a given category of advertising materials are observed:

a. Advertising materials, including those promoting responsible drinking or moderation in drinking, consisting of printed matter appearing on paper, cardboard, canvas or plastic stock supplied by any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages in accordance with this section provided, however, that nonpermanent advertising materials referring to any brand or manufacturer of spirits may only be provided to mixed beverage licensees and may not be provided by beer and wine wholesalers or their employees unless they hold a spirits solicitor's permit;

b. Works of art so long as they are not supplied by manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages;

c. Materials displayed in connection with the sale of over-the-counter novelty and specialty items in accordance with 3VAC5-20-60;

d. Materials used in connection with the sponsorship of public events shall be limited to sponsorship of conservation and environmental programs, professional, semiprofessional or amateur athletic and sporting events, and events of a charitable or cultural nature by distilleries, wineries and breweries, subject to 3VAC5-20-100 B;

e. Service items such as placemats, coasters and glasses so long as they are not supplied by manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages; however, manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers may supply to retailers napkins, placemats and coasters which contain (i) a reference to the name of a brand of nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine as permitted under 3VAC5-20-10 F, or (ii) a message relating solely to and promoting moderation and responsible drinking, which message may contain the name, logo and address of the sponsoring manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler, provided such recognition is subordinate to the message, occupies no more than 10% of the space, and contains no reference to or pictures of the sponsor's brand or brands;

f. Draft beer and wine knobs, spirits back-bar pedestals, bottle or can openers, beer, wine and spirits clip-ons and table tents, subject to 3VAC5-30-60;

g. Beer and wine "neckers," recipe booklets, brochures relating to the wine manufacturing process, vineyard geography and history of a wine manufacturing area; and point-of-sale entry blanks relating to contests and sweepstakes may be provided by beer and wine wholesalers to retail licensees for use on retail premises, if such items are offered to all retail licensees equally, and the wholesaler has obtained the consent, which may be a continuing consent, of each retailer or his representative. Wholesale licensees in the Commonwealth may not put entry blanks on the package; and

h. Refund coupons, if they are supplied, displayed and used in accordance with 3VAC5-20-90.

C. No manufacturer, bottler, wholesaler or importer of alcoholic beverages, whether licensed in this Commonwealth or not, may directly or indirectly sell, rent, lend, buy for, or give to any retailer any advertising materials, decorations or furnishings under any circumstances otherwise prohibited by law, nor may any retailer induce, attempt to induce, or consent to any such supplier of alcoholic beverages furnishing such retailer any such advertising.

D. Any advertising materials provided for herein, which may have been obtained by any retail licensee from any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages, may be installed in the interior of the licensed establishment by any such manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler using any normal and customary installation materials, provided no such materials are installed or displayed in exterior windows or within the interior of the retail establishment in such a manner that such advertising materials may be viewed from the exterior of the retail premises. With the consent of the retail licensee, which consent may be a continuing consent, wholesalers may mark or affix retail prices on these materials.

E. Every retail licensee who, pursuant to subdivisions B 2 or B 3, obtains any permanent point-of-sale advertising shall keep a complete, accurate and separate record of all such material obtained. Such records shall show: (i) the name and address of the person from whom obtained; (ii) the date furnished; (iii) the item furnished; and (iv) the price charged therefor. All such records, invoices and accounts shall be kept by each such licensee at the place designated in the license for a period of two years and shall be available for inspection and copying by any member of the board or its special agents during reasonable hours.

3VAC5-20-30. Advertising; exterior; signs; vehicles; uniforms.

Outdoor alcoholic beverage advertising shall comply with 3VAC5-20-10, be limited to signs and is otherwise discretionary, except as follows:

1. Manufacturers and wholesalers, including wineries and farm wineries:

a. No more than one sign upon the licensed premises, no portion of which may be higher than 30 feet above ground level on a wholesaler's premises;

b. No more than two signs, which must be directional in nature, not farther than ½ 1/2 mile from the licensed establishment limited in dimension to 64 square feet with advertising limited to brand names;

c. If the establishment is a winery also holding a retail off-premises winery license or is a farm winery, additional directional signs with advertising limited to trade names, brand names, the terms "farm winery" or "winery," and tour information, may be erected in accordance with state and local rules, regulations and ordinances; and

d. Only on vehicles and uniforms of persons employed exclusively in the business of a manufacturer or wholesaler, which shall include any antique vehicles bearing original or restored alcoholic beverage advertising used for promotional purposes. Additionally, any person whether licensed in this Commonwealth or not, may use and display antique vehicles bearing original or restored alcoholic beverage advertising.

2. Retailers, including mixed beverage licensees, other than carriers and clubs:

a. No more than two signs at the establishment and, in the case of establishments at intersections, three signs, the advertising on which, including symbols approved by the United States Department of Transportation relating to alcoholic beverages, shall be limited to 12 inches in height or width and not animated and, in the case of signs remote from the premises, subordinate to the main theme and substantially in conformance with the size and content of advertisements of other services offered at the establishment; and

b. Limited only to words and terms appearing on the face of the license describing the privileges of the license and, where applicable: "Mixed Drinks," "Mixed Beverages," "Cocktails," "Exotic Drinks," "Polynesian Drinks," "Cocktail Lounge," "Liquor," "Spirits," and not including Signs may not include any reference to or depiction of "Bar Room," "Saloon," "Speakeasy," "Happy Hour," or references or depictions of similar import, nor to prices of alcoholic beverages, including references to "special" or "reduced" prices or similar terms when used as inducements to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages [ , except that, notwithstanding the provisions of 3VAC5-50-160 B 8, a retail licensee may post one two-dimensional sign not exceeding 17" x 22", attached to the exterior of the licensed premises, limited in content to the terms "Happy Hour" or "Drink Specials" and the time period within which alcoholic beverages are being sold at reduced prices ] Notwithstanding the above, the terms "Bar," "Bar Room," "Saloon," and "Speakeasy" may be used in combination with other words that connote a restaurant as part of the retail licensee's trade name; and

c. No advertising of alcoholic beverages may be displayed in exterior windows or within the interior of the retail establishment in such a manner that such advertising materials may be viewed from the exterior of the retail premises, except on table menus or newspaper tear sheets.

3. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers may engage in billboard advertising within stadia, coliseums or racetracks that are used primarily for professional or semiprofessional athletic or sporting events.

3VAC5-20-40. Advertising; newspaper, magazines, radio, television, trade publications, etc print and electronic media.

A. Beer, wine and mixed Alcoholic beverage advertising in the print or electronic media is permitted with the following exceptions requirements and conditions:

1. All references to mixed beverages are prohibited except the following: "Mixed Drinks," "Mixed Beverages," "Exotic Drinks," "Polynesian Drinks," "Cocktails," "Cocktail Lounges," "Liquor" and "Spirits";

2. The following terms or depictions thereof are prohibited unless they are used in combination with other words that connote a restaurant and they are part of the licensee's trade name: "Bar," "Bar Room," "Saloon," "Speakeasy," or references or depictions of similar import; and

3. Any references to "Happy Hour" or similar terms are prohibited.

B. Further requirements and conditions are as follows:

1. All alcoholic beverage advertising shall include the name and address (street address optional) of the responsible advertiser;.

2. Advertising placed by a manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler in trade publications of associations of retail licensees or college publications shall not constitute cooperative advertising;

3. 2. Advertisements of beer, wine and mixed alcoholic beverages are not allowed in college student publications unless in reference to a dining establishment, except as provided below. A "college student publication" is defined as any college or university publication that is prepared, edited or published primarily by students at such institution, is sanctioned as a curricular or extra-curricular activity by such institution and which is distributed or intended to be distributed primarily to persons under 21 years of age.

Advertising of beer, wine and mixed beverages by a dining establishment in college student publications shall not contain any reference to particular brands or prices and shall be limited only to the use of the following words: "A.B.C. on-premises," "beer," "wine," "mixed beverages," "cocktails," or any combination of these words; and

4. 3. Advertisements of beer, wine and mixed alcoholic beverages are prohibited in publications not of general circulation which are distributed or intended to be distributed primarily to persons under 21 years of age, except in reference to a dining establishment as provided in subdivision 3; notwithstanding the above mentioned provisions, all advertisements of beer, wine and mixed alcoholic beverages are prohibited in publications distributed or intended to be distributed primarily to a high school or younger age level.

5. 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other regulation of the board pertaining to advertising, a manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages may place an advertisement in a college student publication which is distributed or intended to be distributed primarily to persons over 18 and under 21 years of age which has a message relating solely to and promoting public health, safety and welfare, including, but not limited to, moderation and responsible drinking messages, anti-drug use messages and driving under the influence warnings. Such advertisement may contain the name, logo and address of the sponsoring industry member, provided such recognition is at the bottom of and subordinate to the message, occupies no more than 10% of the advertising space, and contains no reference to or pictures of the sponsor's brand or brands, mixed drinks, or exterior signs product. Any public service advertisement involving alcoholic beverages shall contain a statement specifying the legal drinking age in the Commonwealth.

B. As used in the section, "electronic media" shall mean any system involving the transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, television, electromagnetic, photo-electronic, or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, radio, television, electronic mail, and the Internet.

3VAC5-20-50. Advertising; newspapers and magazines; programs; spirits. (Repealed.)

A. Except as provided in subsection B, alcoholic beverage advertising of products greater than 14% alcohol by manufacturers, bottlers, importers or wholesalers via the media shall be limited to newspapers and magazines of general circulation, or similar publications of general circulation, and to printed programs relating to professional, semi-professional and amateur athletic and sporting events, conservation and environmental programs and for events of a charitable or cultural nature, subject to the following conditions:

1. Required statements:

a. Name and address (street address optional) of the responsible advertiser.

b. Contents of the product advertised in accordance with all labeling requirements. If only the class of spirits or wine, such as "whiskey" or "chardonnay" is referred to, statements as to contents may be omitted.

c. Any written, printed or graphic advertisement shall be in lettering or type size sufficient to be conspicuous and readily legible.

2. Prohibited statement. Any reference to a spirit's price that is not the prevailing price at government stores, excepting references approved in advance by the board relating to temporarily discounted prices.

3. Further limitation. Spirits may not be advertised in college student publications as defined in 3VAC5-20-40 B nor in newspapers, programs or other written or pictorial matter primarily relating to intercollegiate athletic events.

B. Electronic advertising of alcoholic beverages containing more than 14% alcohol but less than 22% alcohol shall be permitted as long as it emphasizes that such alcoholic beverages are traditionally served with meals or immediately before or following a meal.

3VAC5-20-60. Advertising; novelties and specialties.

Distribution of novelty and specialty items, including wearing apparel, bearing alcoholic beverage advertising, shall be subject to the following limitations and conditions:

1. Items not in excess of $10 in wholesale value may be given away;

2. Manufacturers, importers, bottlers, brokers, wholesalers or their representatives may give licensed retailers items not in excess of $10 in wholesale value, limited to one item per retailer, and one item per employee, per visit, which may not be displayed in quantities equal to the number of employees of the retail establishment present at the time the items are delivered. Thereafter, such employees may wear or display the items on the licensed premises. Neither manufacturers, importers, bottlers, brokers, wholesalers or their representatives may give such items to patrons on the premises of retail licensees; however, manufacturers [ , wholesalers, ] or their authorized representatives [ other than wholesalers ] conducting tastings pursuant to the provisions of § 4.1-201.1 of the Code of Virginia may give no more than one such item to each consumer provided a sample of alcoholic beverages during the tasting event; and such items bearing moderation and responsible drinking messages may be displayed by the licensee and his employees on the licensed premises and given to patrons on such premises as long as any references to any alcoholic beverage manufacturer or its brands are subordinate in type size and quantity of text to such moderation message;

3. Items in excess of $10 in wholesale value may be donated by distilleries, wineries and breweries only to participants or entrants in connection with the sponsorship of conservation and environmental programs, professional, semi-professional or amateur athletic and sporting events subject to the limitations of 3VAC5-20-100, and for events of a charitable or cultural nature;

4. Items may be sold by mail upon request or over-the-counter at retail establishments customarily engaged in the sale of novelties and specialties, provided they are sold at the reasonable open market price in the localities where sold;

5. Wearing apparel shall be in adult sizes; and

6. Point-of-sale order blanks, relating to novelty and specialty items, may be provided by beer and wine wholesalers to retail licensees for use on their premises, if done for all retail licensees equally and after obtaining the consent, which may be a continuing consent, of each retailer or his representative. Wholesale licensees in the Commonwealth may not put order blanks on the package. Wholesalers may not be involved in the redemption process.

3VAC5-20-70. Advertising; fairs and trade shows; alcoholic beverage displays. (Repealed.)

Alcoholic beverage advertising at fairs and trade shows shall be limited to booths assigned to manufacturers, bottlers and wholesalers and to the following:

1. Display of alcoholic beverages in closed containers with informational signs provided such merchandise is not sold or given away except as permitted in 3VAC5-70-100;

2. Distribution of informational brochures, pamphlets, and the like, relating to alcoholic beverages; and

3. Distribution of novelty and specialty items bearing alcoholic beverage advertising not in excess of $5.00 in wholesale value.

3VAC5-20-80. Advertising; film presentations. (Repealed.)

Advertising of alcoholic beverages by means of film presentations is restricted to the following:

1. Presentations made only to bona fide private groups, associations or organizations upon request; and

2. Presentations essentially educational in nature.

3VAC5-20-90. Advertising; coupons.

A. "Normal retail price" shall mean the average retail price of the brand and size of the product in a given market, and not a reduced or discounted price.

B. Coupons may be advertised in accordance with the following conditions and restrictions:

1. Manufacturers of spirits, wine and beer may use only refund, not discount, coupons. The coupons may not exceed 50% of the normal retail price and may not be honored at a retail outlet but shall be mailed directly to the manufacturer or its designated agent. Such agent may not be a wholesaler or retailer of alcoholic beverages. Coupons are permitted in the print media, the Internet, by direct mail [ or electronic mail ] to consumers or as part of, or attached to, the package. Beer refund coupons may be part of, or attached to, the package only if the brewery put them on at the point of manufacture; however, beer and wine wholesalers may provide coupon pads to retailers for use by retailers on their premises, if done for all retail licensees equally and after obtaining the consent, which may be a continuing consent, of each retailer or his representative. Wholesale beer licensees in the Commonwealth may not put them on the package. Wholesale wine licensees may attach refund coupons to the package and wholesale wine licensees may provide coupon pads to retailers for use by retailers on their premises, if done for all retail licensees equally and after obtaining the consent, which may be a continuing consent, for each retailer or his representative.

2. Manufacturers offering refund coupons on spirits and wine sold in state government stores shall notify the board at least 45 days in advance of the issuance of the coupons of its amount, its expiration date and the area of the Commonwealth in which it will be primarily used, if not used statewide.

3. Wholesale licensees are not permitted to offer coupons.

4. Retail licensees may offer coupons, including their own discount or refund coupons, on wine and beer sold for off-premises consumption only. Retail licensees may offer their own coupons in the print media, at the point-of-sale or by direct mail to consumers.

5. No retailer may be paid a fee by manufacturers or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages for display or use of coupons and the name of the retail establishment may not appear on any refund coupons offered by manufacturers. No manufacturer or wholesaler may furnish any coupons or materials regarding coupons to retailers which are customized or designed for discount or refund by the retailer.

6. Retail licensees or employees thereof may not receive refunds on coupons obtained from the packages before sale at retail.

7. No coupons may be honored for any individual below the legal age for purchase.

3VAC5-20-100. Advertising; sponsorship of public events; restrictions and conditions.

A. Generally. Alcoholic beverage advertising in connection with the sponsorship of public events shall be limited to sponsorship of conservation and environmental programs, professional, semi-professional, or amateur athletic and sporting events and events of a charitable or cultural nature by [ distilleries, wineries, and breweries manufacturers and wholesalers ].

B. Restrictions and conditions.

1. Any sponsorship on a college, high school or younger age level is prohibited;

2. Cooperative advertising, as defined in 3VAC5-20-10 3VAC5-30-80, is prohibited;

3. Awards or contributions of alcoholic beverages are prohibited;

4. Advertising of alcoholic beverages shall conform in size and content to the other advertising concerning the event and advertising regarding charitable events shall place primary emphasis on the charitable fund raising nature of the event;

5. A charitable event is one held for the specific purpose of raising funds for a charitable organization which is exempt from federal and state taxes;

6. Advertising in connection with the sponsorship of an event may be only in the media, including programs, tickets and schedules for the event, on the inside of licensed or unlicensed retail establishments and at the site of the event;

7. Advertising materials as defined in 3VAC5-30-60 G, table tents as defined in 3VAC5-30-60 H and canisters are permitted; [ and ]

8. Prior written notice shall be submitted to the board describing the nature of the sponsorship and giving the date, time and place of it [ .; and

9. Manufacturers may sponsor public events and wholesalers may only cosponsor charitable events. ]

3VAC5-30-10. Rotation and exchange of stocks of retailers by wholesalers; permitted and prohibited acts.

A. Permitted acts. For the purpose of maintaining the freshness of the stock and the integrity of the products sold by him, a wine wholesaler may perform, except on Sundays, and a beer wholesaler may perform, except on Sundays in jurisdictions where local ordinances restrict Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages, the following services for a retailer upon consent, which may be a continuing consent, of the retailer:

1. Rotate, repack and rearrange wine or beer in a display (shelves, coolers, cold boxes, and the like, and floor displays in a sales area);

2. Restock wine and beer;

3. Rotate, repack, rearrange and add to his own stocks of wine or beer in a storeroom space assigned to him by the retailer;

4. Transfer wine and beer between storerooms, between displays, and between storerooms and displays; and

5. Create or build original displays using wine or beer products only.

B. Prohibited acts. A wholesaler may not:

1. Alter or disturb in any way the merchandise sold by another wholesaler, whether in a display, sales area or storeroom except in the following cases:

a. When the products of one wholesaler have been erroneously placed in the area previously assigned by the retailer to another wholesaler; or

b. When a floor display area previously assigned by a retailer to one wholesaler has been reassigned by the retailer to another wholesaler;

2. Mark or affix retail prices to products other than those sold by the wholesaler to the retailer; or

3. Sell or offer to sell alcoholic beverages to a retailer with the privilege of return, except for ordinary and usual commercial reasons as set forth below:

a. Products defective at the time of delivery may be replaced;

b. Products erroneously delivered may be replaced or money refunded;

c. Products that a manufacturer discontinues nationally may be returned and money refunded;

d. Resalable draft beer may be returned and money refunded;

e. Products in the possession of a retail licensee whose license is terminated by operation of law, voluntary surrender or order of the board may be returned and money refunded upon permit issued by the board;

f. Products which have been condemned and are not permitted to be sold in this Commonwealth may be replaced or money refunded upon permit issued by the board; or

g. Wine or beer may be exchanged on an identical quantity and brand basis for quality control purposes. Any such exchange shall be documented by the word "exchange" on the proper invoice.

3VAC5-30-20. Restrictions upon employment; exceptions.

No retail licensee shall employ in any capacity in his licensed business any person engaged or employed in the manufacturing, bottling or wholesaling of alcoholic beverages; nor shall any licensed manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler employ in any capacity in his licensed business any person engaged or employed in the retailing of alcoholic beverages.

This section shall not apply to banquet licensees, farm winery licensees, or to off-premises winery licensees.

3VAC5-30-30. Certain transactions to be for cash; "cash" defined; checks and money orders; electronic fund transfers; records and reports by sellers; payments to the board.

A. Sales of wine or beer between wholesale and retail licensees of the board shall be for cash paid and collected at the time of or prior to delivery, except where payment is to be made by electronic fund transfer as hereinafter provided. Each invoice covering such a sale or any other sale shall be signed by the purchaser at the time of delivery and shall specify the manner of payment.

B. "Cash," as used in this section, shall include (i) legal tender of the United States, (ii) a money order issued by a duly licensed firm authorized to engage in such business in the Commonwealth, (iii) a valid check drawn upon a bank account in the name of the licensee or permittee or in the trade name of the licensee or permittee making the purchase, [ or ] (iv) an electronic fund transfer, initiated by a wholesaler pursuant to subsection D of this section, from a bank account in the name, or trade name, of the retail licensee making a purchase from a wholesaler or the board [ , or (v) a credit or debit card issued in the name of the licensee or permittee or in the trade name of the licensee or permittee ].

C. If a check, money order or electronic fund transfer is used, the following provisions apply:

1. If only alcoholic beverage merchandise is being sold, the amount of the checks, money orders or electronic fund transfers shall be no larger than the purchase price of the alcoholic beverages; and

2. If nonalcoholic merchandise is also sold to the retailer, the check, money order or electronic fund transfer may be in an amount no larger than the total purchase price of the alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic beverage merchandise. If a separate invoice is used for the nonalcoholic merchandise, a copy of it shall be attached to the copies of the alcoholic beverage invoices which are retained in the records of the wholesaler and the retailer. If a single invoice is used for both the alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic beverage merchandise, the alcoholic beverage items shall be separately identified and totaled.

D. If an electronic fund transfer is used for payment by a licensed retailer or a permittee for any purchase from a wholesaler or the board, the following provisions shall apply:

1. Prior to an electronic fund transfer, the retail licensee shall enter into a written agreement with the wholesaler specifying the terms and conditions for an electronic fund transfer in payment for the delivery of wine or beer to that retail licensee. The electronic fund transfer shall be initiated by the wholesaler no later than one business day after delivery and the wholesaler's account shall be credited by the retailer's bank no later than the following business day. The electronic fund transfer agreement shall incorporate the requirements of this subdivision, but this subdivision shall not preclude an agreement with more restrictive provisions. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "business day" shall mean a business day of the respective bank;

2. The wholesaler must generate an invoice covering the sale of wine or beer, and shall specify that payment is to be made by electronic fund transfer. Each invoice must be signed by the purchaser at the time of delivery; and

3. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require that any licensee must accept payment by electronic fund transfer.

E. Wholesalers shall maintain on their licensed premises records of all invalid checks received from retail licensees for the payment of wine or beer, as well as any stop payment order, insufficient fund report or any other incomplete electronic fund transfer reported by the retailer's bank in response to a wholesaler initiated electronic fund transfer from the retailer's bank account. Further, wholesalers shall report to the board any invalid checks or incomplete electronic fund transfer reports received in payment of wine or beer when either (i) any such invalid check or incomplete electronic fund transfer is not satisfied by the retailer within seven days after notice of the invalid check or a report of the incomplete electronic fund transfer is received by the wholesaler, or (ii) the wholesaler has received, whether satisfied or not, either more than one such invalid check from any single retail licensee or received more than one incomplete electronic fund transfer report from the bank of any single retail licensee, or any combination of the two, within a period of 180 days. Such reports shall be upon a form provided by the board and in accordance with the instructions set forth in such form.

F. Payments to the board for the following items shall be for cash, as defined in subsection B:

1. State license taxes and application fees;

2. Purchases of alcoholic beverages from the board by mixed beverage licensees;

3. Wine taxes and excise taxes on beer and wine coolers;

4. Solicitors' permit fees and temporary permit fees;

5. Registration and certification fees, and the markup or profit on cider, collected pursuant to these regulations;

6. Civil penalties or charges and costs imposed on licensees and permittees by the board; and

7. Forms provided to licensees and permittees at cost by the board.

3VAC5-30-60. Inducements to retailers; beer and wine tapping equipment; bottle or can openers; spirits back-bar pedestals; banquet licensees; paper, cardboard or plastic advertising materials; clip-ons and table tents; sanctions and penalties.

A. Any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler may sell, rent, lend, buy for or give to any retailer, without regard to the value thereof, the following:

1. Draft beer knobs, containing advertising matter which shall include the brand name and may further include only trademarks, housemarks and slogans and shall not include any illuminating devices or be otherwise adorned with mechanical devices which are not essential in the dispensing of draft beer; and

2. Tapping equipment, defined as all the parts of the mechanical system required for dispensing draft beer in a normal manner from the carbon dioxide tank through the beer faucet, excluding the following:

a. The carbonic acid gas in containers, except that such gas may be sold only at the reasonable open market price in the locality where sold;

b. Gas pressure gauges (may be sold at cost);

c. Draft arms or standards;

d. Draft boxes; and

e. Refrigeration equipment or components thereof.

Further, a manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler may sell, rent or lend to any retailer, for use only by a purchaser of draft beer in kegs or barrels from such retailer, whatever tapping equipment may be necessary for the purchaser to extract such draft beer from its container.

B. Any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler may sell to any retailer and install in the retailer's establishment tapping accessories such as standards, faucets, rods, vents, taps, tap standards, hoses, cold plates, washers, couplings, gas gauges, vent tongues, shanks, and check valves, if the tapping accessories are sold at a price not less than the cost of the industry member who initially purchased them, and if the price is collected within 30 days of the date of sale.

Wine tapping equipment shall not include the following:

1. Draft wine knobs, which may be given to a retailer;

2. Carbonic acid gas, nitrogen gas, or compressed air in containers, except that such gases may be sold in accordance with the reasonable open market prices in the locality where sold and if the price is collected within 30 days of the date of the sales; or

3. Mechanical refrigeration equipment.

C. Any beer tapping equipment may be converted for wine tapping by the beer wholesaler who originally placed the equipment on the premises of the retail licensee, provided that such beer wholesaler is also a wine wholesaler licensee. Moreover, at the time such equipment is converted for wine tapping, it shall be sold, or have previously been sold, to the retail licensee at a price not less than the initial purchase price paid by such wholesaler.

D. Any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of wine or beer may sell or give to any retailer, bottle or can openers upon which advertising matter regarding alcoholic beverages may appear, provided the wholesale value of any such openers given to a retailer by any individual manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler does not exceed $10 $20. Openers in excess of $10 $20 in wholesale value may be sold, provided the reasonable open market price is charged therefor.

E. Any manufacturer of spirits may sell, lend, buy for or give to any retail licensee, without regard to the value thereof, back-bar pedestals to be used on the retail premises and upon which advertising matter regarding spirits may appear.

F. Manufacturers [ of alcoholic beverages and their authorized vendors ] or wholesalers of wine or beer may sell at the reasonable wholesale price to banquet licensees [ wine ] glasses or paper or plastic cups upon which advertising matter regarding [ wine or beer alcoholic beverages ] may appear.

G. Manufacturers, bottlers or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages may not provide point-of-sale advertising for any alcoholic beverage or any nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine to retail licensees except in accordance with 3VAC5-20-20 3VAC5-30-80. Manufacturers, bottlers and wholesalers may provide advertising materials to any retail licensee that have been customized for that retail licensee provided that such advertising materials must:

1. Comply with all other applicable regulations of the board;

2. Be for interior use only;

3. Contain references to the alcoholic beverage products or brands offered for sale by the manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler providing such materials and to no other products; and

4. Be made available to all retail licensees.

H. Any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of wine, beer or spirits may sell, lend, buy for or give to any retail licensee clip-ons and table tents.

I. Any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages may clean and service, either free or for compensation, coils and other like equipment used in dispensing wine and beer, and may sell solutions or compounds for cleaning wine and beer glasses, provided the reasonable open market price is charged.

J. Any manufacturer, bottler or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages licensed in this Commonwealth may sell ice to retail licensees provided the reasonable open market price is charged.

K. Any licensee of the board, including any manufacturer, bottler, importer, broker as defined in § 4.1-216 A of the Code of Virginia, wholesaler or retailer who violates, attempts to violate, solicits any person to violate or consents to any violation of this section shall be subject to the sanctions and penalties as provided in § 4.1-328 of the Code of Virginia.

3VAC5-30-80. Advertising materials that may be provided to retailers by manufacturers, importers, bottlers, or wholesalers.

A. There shall be no cooperative advertising as between a producer, manufacturer, bottler, importer, or wholesaler and a retailer of alcoholic beverages, except as may be authorized by regulation pursuant to § 4.1-216 of the Code of Virginia. The term "cooperative advertising" shall mean the payment or credit, directly or indirectly, by any manufacturer, bottler, importer, or wholesaler whether licensed in this Commonwealth or not to a retailer for all or any portion of advertising done by the retailer.

B. Manufacturers [ , bottlers, or their authorized vendors as defined in § 4.1-216.1 of the Code of Virginia ] and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages may sell, lend, buy for, or give to retailers any nonilluminated advertising materials made of paper, cardboard, canvas, rubber, foam, or plastic, provided the advertising materials have a wholesale value of $40 or less per item. Advertising material referring to any brand or manufacturer of spirits may only be provided to mixed beverage licensees and may not be provided by beer and wine wholesalers, or their employees, unless they hold a spirits solicitor's permit.

C. Manufacturers, bottlers, or wholesalers may supply to retailers napkins, placemats, and coasters that contain (i) a reference to the name of a brand of nonalcoholic beer or nonalcoholic wine, or (ii) a message relating solely to and promoting moderation and responsible drinking, which message may contain the name, logo, and address of the sponsoring manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler, provided such recognition is subordinate to the message.

D. Any manufacturer, including any vendor authorized by any such manufacturer, whether or not licensed in the Commonwealth, may sell service items bearing alcoholic brand references to on-premises retail licensees. Such retail licensee may display the service items on the premises of his licensed establishment. Each such retail licensee purchasing such service items shall retain a copy of the evidence of his payment to the manufacturer or authorized vendor for a period of not less than two years from the date of each sale of the service items. As used in this subdivision, "service items" means articles of tangible personal property normally used by the employees of on-premises licensees to serve alcoholic beverages to customers including, but not limited to, glasses, napkins, buckets, and coasters.

E. Beer and wine "neckers," recipe booklets, brochures relating to the wine manufacturing process, vineyard geography, and history of a wine manufacturing area; and point-of-sale entry blanks relating to contests and sweepstakes may be provided by beer and wine wholesalers to retail licensees for use on retail premises, if such items are offered to all retail licensees equally, and the wholesaler has obtained the consent, which may be a continuing consent, of each retailer or his representative. Wholesale licensees in the Commonwealth may not put entry blanks on the package. Solicitors holding permits under the provisions of 3VAC5-60-80 may provide point-of-sale entry blanks relating to contests and sweepstakes to mixed beverage licensees for use on the premises if such items are offered to all mixed beverage licensees equally, and the solicitor has obtained the consent, which may be a continuous consent, of each mixed beverage licensee or his representative.

F. Manufacturers, bottlers, or wholesalers may supply refund coupons, if they are supplied, displayed, and used in accordance with 3VAC5-20-90.

G. No manufacturer, bottler, wholesaler, or importer of alcoholic beverages, whether licensed in this Commonwealth or not, may directly or indirectly sell, rent, lend, buy for, or give to any retailer any advertising materials, decorations, or furnishings under any circumstances otherwise prohibited by law, nor may any retailer induce, attempt to induce, or consent to any such supplier of alcoholic beverages furnishing such retailer any such advertising.

H. Any advertising materials provided for herein, which may have been obtained by any retail licensee from any manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages, may be installed in the interior of the licensed establishment by any such manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler using any normal and customary installation materials. With the consent of the retail licensee, which consent may be a continuing consent, wholesalers may mark or affix retail prices on these materials.

I. Every retail licensee who obtains any point-of-sale advertising shall keep a complete, accurate, and separate record of all such material obtained. Such records shall show (i) the name and address of the person from whom obtained; (ii) the date furnished; (iii) the item furnished; and (iv) the price charged therefore. All such records, invoices and accounts shall be kept by each such licensee at the place designated in the license for a period of two years and shall be available for inspection and copying by any member of the board or its special agents during reasonable hours.