RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginians will soon be able to buy Everclear and similar highly alcoholic beverages at state-owned liquor stores.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently approved a bill that would allow the sale of 151-proof clear grain alcohol at Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control stores. He vetoed a similar measure last year.
University officials have been among the bill’s critics, raising concerns that selling Everclear and other similar products could lead to binge drinking.
Proponents of the bill noted that Everclear is often used for cooking and can be purchased legally in 48 other states. The bill will expire in five years, meaning lawmakers would have to vote again to keep the drink legal again in 2022.