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I'm excited about this project, but I am still wondering how they will manage the demand for this new Speakeasy once it's open. The space is relatively small after all so I'm assuming we will likely see some kind of reservation system used whether that be in person or using the app. Really hoping that they don't try to limit this experience as a separate up-charge bar like what you see at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater where you pay to enter a private bar area but of course still pay to drink at the bar. Time will tell!
 
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It's 100% a prop. We would have seen them apply for a distillery license which we have not seen.

Not to mention that due to Virginia liquor laws BGW would have had to (legally) become an ABC store. (Yes, this is even true for all private distilleries. If they sell self-made spirits on site, they are legally a Virginia ABC).

Out of curiosity - is it possible that they may have future plans but haven't yet gotten the paperwork on file just yet?

I think it's unlikely this would be even a small -batch facility for in-house consumption only, as the inherent amount of extraneous items would likely necessitate a separate production space separated from the bar area.
 
I'm excited about this project, but I am still wondering how they will manage the demand for this new Speakeasy once it's open. The space is relatively small after all so I'm assuming we will likely see some kind of reservation system used whether that be in person or using the app. Really hoping that they don't try to limit this experience as a separate up-charge bar like what you see at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater where you pay to enter a private bar area but of course still pay to drink at the bar. Time will tell!
They pushed all the walls back.
 
Out of curiosity - is it possible that they may have future plans but haven't yet gotten the paperwork on file just yet?

I think it's unlikely this would be even a small -batch facility for in-house consumption only, as the inherent amount of extraneous items would likely necessitate a separate production space separated from the bar area.

I would be shocked if they went that direction.

Small batch distilleries have razor thin profit margins. You only start making money if you can catch the attention of an international distributor.

Given the profit driven mindset of the current board; I fail to see how they would justify this as a business decision.
 
Followup:

Did you know that a distillery can't set the price of their own product in Virginia?

This goes with the whole "they're an ABC" thing.

Technically the distillery is selling their spirit to the state (at a state negotiated price) and then selling it to the public on behalf (acting as) the state.
 
I think VA needs to update it's laws. Anyone know the logic of why you have to sell it to the state and then back to the public acting as the state? Probably dates back to sometime after Prohibition is my guess.
 
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I think VA needs to update it's laws. Anyone know the logic of why you have to sell it to the state and then back to the public acting as the state? Probably dates back to sometime after Prohibition is my guess.
If you want to see fucked up logic take a look at what NJ just did to micros in their state.
 
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I just did a quick look up and you're right. Appears to be a pissing match between lobbyists representing full retail license holders and the craft brewing industry. I like that they have to give a tour before serving customers. I wonder if virtual tours would work - watch this video before we can serve you a beer. Each customer only needs one tour a year as well.
 
I just did a quick look up and you're right. Appears to be a pissing match between lobbyists representing full retail license holders and the craft brewing industry. I like that they have to give a tour before serving customers. I wonder if virtual tours would work - watch this video before we can serve you a beer. Each customer only needs one tour a year as well.
My GF works in the beer industry and we were talking about it yesterday and it’s really fucked up what NJABC did. It’s more a pissing match between restaurants and micros. For the most part micros and bidder distribution companies (InBev, MillerCoors, Consellation) need the micros to be successful. Innovation in this field isn’t easy, so sometimes the best route is micros to be successful then buy them to increase distribution. It’s a win win as the micro gets bigger exposure and the distribution gets more floor space (and typically a higher price point brew).

So I will take PA/MD/VA’s strange loophole laws over straight up trying to kill an industry like NJ did.
 
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I think VA needs to update it's laws. Anyone know the logic of why you have to sell it to the state and then back to the public acting as the state? Probably dates back to sometime after Prohibition is my guess.

It's due to the state laws on selling liquor. I.e. why you only see spirits on selves at an ABC store. The state is the only entity permitted to sell liquor in Virginia. (State run monopoly).

There is some historic logic to it that isn't really valid anymore.

But the law only applies to liquor. Beer and wine are in the clear.
 
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My GF works in the beer industry and we were talking about it yesterday and it’s really fucked up what NJABC did. It’s more a pissing match between restaurants and micros. For the most part micros and bidder distribution companies (InBev, MillerCoors, Consellation) need the micros to be successful. Innovation in this field isn’t easy, so sometimes the best route is micros to be successful then buy them to increase distribution. It’s a win win as the micro gets bigger exposure and the distribution gets more floor space (and typically a higher price point brew).

So I will take PA/MD/VA’s strange loophole laws over straight up trying to kill an industry like NJ did.
I legit live within walking distance to 2 (South) NJ breweries and its horrible the restrictions put on them. One of them does not have a restaurant around to compete with and the other gets along great with the pizza place across the street. It killed any desire for me to go there as often as I want because I like to have a meal when I am tasting a lot of beers and really dont want to stagger home even if its 2 blocks away.
 
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Small batch distilleries have razor thin profit margins.
This is why a lot of them source with MGP and brand as their own. Cheaper to buy something and bottle it than make your own waiting forever for it to mature.

And then whatever they make in house, which takes years to develop, is just sold a special releases.
 
Don't know—but it is my impression that we're getting very close to an opening of some sort (soft or official). I've heard rumors that it could come as soon as within the next handful of days. 👀
Did they push back the announcement from the 6th to the 8th?

Looks like it, according to the website: Linky
 
There is now a QR code on the door that if you scan it ot takes you to the speak easy page
 
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