Panel meets to tackle role of Virginia ABC law enforcement

Virginia leaders today will review the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control authority law enforcement powers and procedures.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe formed a 19-member panel that is scheduled to meet for the first time today to discuss ABC’s law enforcement efforts following the arrest of 20-year-old Martese Johnson outside a Charlottesville bar. A photo of Johnson’s bloodied face was shared extensively on social media. He was arrested and charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice by ABC law enforcement officers.

“We were going to be doing a lot of these changes anyway, before the whole Charlottesville thing,” said David Albo, who serves Fairfax residents in the Virginia House of Delegates, and of Albo & Oblon Attorneys at Law.

Albo was picked to serve on the review board but was unable to make it for the first meeting because he was due in court. The legislator has been active in the restructuring process of ABC that began this year.

Legislators changed ABC from a government agency to an authority that changes rules for how ABC procures goods and services. The changes also outline increased qualifications for ABC Board of Directors members and its chief operating officer, said Albo.

Instead of patrolling streets and making arrests for underage drinking, Albo said he wants ABC law enforcement officers to tackle more administrative enforcement, such as making sure establishments that serve alcohol are compliant with the law.

Kurt Erickson, of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program — the agency that coordinates the taxi car Sober Ride program during Christmas and New Year’s holidays — was also selected to be on the panel. It meets from 2 to 5 p.m. in Richmond.