MCDONNELL UNVEILS PRIVATIZATION PLAN

Thursday, September 9, 2010
by Associated Press

Senior members of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's staff unveild recommendations for ABC privatization in the state. Privatization is expected to provide $500 million in new funding for transportation, One thousand retail licenses will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The licenses will be broken into 3 categories: 600 licenses for large establishments such as grocery stores; 150 for smaller establishments such as package stores and wine and beer shops; 250 for convenience stores/retail pharmacies. No one company will be allowed more than 25 percent of licenses within each level. 332 licenses will be guaranteed for areas currently served by an existing ABC outlet. A vote on the staff recommendations will be held the week of September 27th and the full Reform Commission will consider the proposals on October 4th.