PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2022
Contact: Jacqueline Posley Phone Number: 802-461-5358
E-Mail: Jacqueline.Posley@vermont.gov
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR AND LOTTERY OFFERS PANDEMIC RECOVERY INITIATIVES FOR BARS AND RESTAURANTS
MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Department of Liquor and Lottery has launched a series of polices and
initiatives to support Vermont’s bars and restaurants as they rebound from the economic impact of
the pandemic.
At its July board meeting, the Board of Liquor and Lottery clarified that the third-party use of a
debit or credit card is not considered credit for the purposes of the board’s Regulation Number 1
that prohibits the purchase of alcoholic beverages on credit by any licensee. The clarification
supports the Department’s policy change that permits bars and restaurants to purchase spirits
products from 802Spirits stores using a business or personal debit or credit card.
“This is a major step forward for the hospitality industry,” said Chris Karr of Karr Group
(Killington) & Vermont Independent Restaurant Leadership Council. “The opportunity to purchase at
802Spirits stores via credit debit cards removes a logistical burden for us. We are grateful for
the Department’s ongoing efforts to modernize Vermont’s liquor laws and advance the economic
resiliency of the industry.”
The Department’s other innovative initiatives to encourage economic growth within the hospitality
sector and support licensees include a new On-Premise Sales Program, an online licensing portal,
and the Warehouse Collection.
On July 1, 2022, the Department launched its On-Premise Sales Program that provides on-premise
licensees with the opportunity to purchase selected products at a discounted price. The On-Premise
Sales Program lists spirit products that suppliers offer on sale each month specifically for
on-premise licensees. It is modeled after the Department’s regular sales program for licensees and
walk-in customers, which has not changed or been replaced.
The On-Premise Sales Program is part of the Department’s strategic initiative to foster economic
growth in Vermont by supporting licensees. As an alcohol beverage control state, Vermont only
permits the sale or distribution of distilled spirts through the Department and 802Spirits stores.
“The Department is a unique regulatory agency because it operates a business in the international
alcohol beverage industry, in addition to our vital work in educating, regulating, and licensing
businesses,” said Wendy Knight, Commissioner of the Department of Liquor and Lottery. “As the sole
distributor of distilled spirits in Vermont engaging in commerce with thousands of Vermont bars,
restaurants, resorts, and other small businesses, we have an obligation to function at a high level
of customer service and adopt practices that support and educate our business customers.”
To better facilitate the liquor licensing process and improve customer service, the Department has
created an online licensing portal. The Salesforce-based software will eliminate paper applications
and traditional checks. Instead, licensees will now apply and pay online. Licensees will access
applications, renewals, educational resources, and compliance information in one online location.
Additionally, users will create an account using the State of Vermont’s single sign-in feature,
allowing the use of the same login information across multiple State Departments. The Department
expects the portal to go live at the end of August.
Finally, DLL has re-vamped what was formerly called “Odds + Ends” into the Warehouse Collection for
on-premise licensees, based on feedback from licensees seeking a wider range and diverse selection
of distilled spirits. The Warehouse Collection is comprised of products that consumers ordered
through the Department’s Special-Order Process that have remained unclaimed at the Department’s
warehouse.
Since most of these products are not regularly available in 802Spirits stores, this Warehouse
Collection offers licensees a variety of limited-edition products. To date, on-premise licensees
have purchased 34 of the 91 bottles initially offered. Warehouse Collection offerings will change
monthly based on available inventory.
About the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
The Department of Liquor and Lottery provide a regulatory framework of licensing, compliance,
enforcement, and education for the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and gaming
entertainment, ensuring public safety, and contributing 100% of profits to Vermont communities
through the General and Education funds.
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