Virginia ABC lying policy

[B.B. Babington]

As we all, if you're on social terms with store peoples ya find out more about new releases or etc.  This is also true for ABC states.  Store buddies clued me in on all sorts of things I'd never heard of but became new favorites.

 

Years ago when bourbon frenzy started, I was told by 2 separate managers and couple employees that ABC was telling staff to lie to customers about availability, arrivals, bottles in the back, etc.  Since that time, I've seen many instances of it.  Two recently from the same newer manager at a store I've done 10's of thousands trade with.  Another store clued me in that McKenna BIB is on next shipment.  I was at my local store that gets deliveries the same day and said something about it and she said they don't get notified ahead of time about what is on the truck, which I KNEW to be bald face lie because I've reviewed the sheets before on many occasions.  Then today, that same manager screwed up an online order and I was set to receive an extra free bottle of $70 aged rum, but of course I'm good guy and straightened it out.  While doing so, I saw 2 bottles of ER17 on the orders table and I made comment about some lucky person's Christmas.  Then she's like, no, no bottles there.  So being polite I said well maybe I just saw ER10.  No, no, there's no bottles there.  I say well. I saw them clearly.  And she doubles down adamantly, no, no, no.

 

At this point the words that come to mind are banned on this forum.  I helped that store out when state considered closing it and that's what I get.

[DCFan]

16 minutes ago, B.B. Babington said:

I helped that store out when state considered closing it and that's what I get.

Care to name the store? And no, I don't have an affiliation with the ABC or state government.

[Harry in WashDC]

VA ABC tales?  Well, then, and remember I am NOT a VA resident - -

 

A store I frequent for basics (as it is close but one of their smaller stores, and the selection is not robust) USED TO have a manager who, when I ordered stuff in their catalog but not-on-shelf, had me tell him how to fill out the online form on THEIR backroom computer so bourbon and rye in warehouse  stock could be shipped to that store for my pickup.  This happened more than once.  IOW, he seemed a bit dense.about how his own equipment and software worked for special orders, almost like he wanted encouragement of some sort.  A year or so ago, when one of the BTAC auctions came up, I remarked offhand that I was not a VA resident although I'd spent thousands in his store over the years and thought the VA ABC should change its rules and let me enter the auction.  He said, and I'm only slightly paraphrasing, "Well, that's not a problem.  I'm sure we can work something out. [Insert sly grin here.]"  I did not bite but took no further action.  He is long gone.  I wonder sometimes if somebody else made the call to Richmond.

 

I must say, however, that the other four VA ABC stores I visit less than regularly but more than occasionallly have managers and staff that: (1) really know their bourbon, (2) are helpful in locating/ordering stray, nonauction-worthy, stuff that is sometimes NOT in their catalog (and still at MSRP, to be sure), and (3) scrupulously honest - i.e., not a HINT of, "We can work something out."

[B.B. Babington]

DCFan, you've no worries for this store, it's on the other side of the state from you.  However, any of the stores might fib.  I don't know if it's regional or statewide.  Purpose is simple, easy way to get rid of pestering pests.

 

Soon after they instituted this policy, I asked a buddy of mine if they had a particular selection in the back.  He answered that he hated lying but they don't.  His way of saying yes they do but not for me.  

 

Harry, generally I've found ABC folks to be very helpful and also knowledgeable.  Even ones that liked whiskey but not so knowledgeable were fun to talk with.  Overall I like the Virginia system.  What they have now is great system for people to find product yet at the same time working to level the playing field so every Virginian has a chance at the good stuff.

[mbroo5880i]

Lying about available even within a single store or chain is not unique at ABC stores.  It is almost the norm in today's bourbon environment.

Edited December 21, 2019 by mbroo5880i