RICHMOND - The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which is featured in a Discovery Channel production, "Moonshiners," issued the following statement today after ABC officials received inquiries about the agency's role in this six-part television series:
"Virginia ABC agreed to participate in an informative piece that documents the history of moonshine and moonshine investigations in Virginia.
"Virginia ABC did not participate nor was aware of the false depiction of moonshine manufacturing, distribution and/or transportation in the filming, and would not have participated in the ‘documentary' had it known of this portrayal.
"It is illegal to manufacture liquor in Virginia without a license due to various health, public safety and commerce issues.
"All ABC agents are trained regularly on still/moonshine investigations, and each year agents serve search warrants and conduct raids resulting in multiple moonshine-related arrests.
"Public safety and enforcing Virginia's alcohol laws are and continue to be ABC's top priority.
Moonshiners, produced by Magilla Entertainment for the Discovery Channel, began Dec. 6.
The reality television show features "moonshiner" Tim Smith of Pittsylvania County and Virginia ABC agent Jesse Tate.
RICHMOND - The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which is featured in a Discovery Channel production, "Moonshiners," issued the following statement today clarifying ABC's role in the reality television show:
"Virginia ABC agreed to participate in an informative piece that documents the history of moonshine and moonshine investigations in Virginia.
"Virginia ABC did not participate nor was aware of the false depiction of moonshine manufacturing, distribution and/or transportation in the filming, and would not have participated in the ‘documentary' had it known of this portrayal.
"It is illegal to manufacture liquor in Virginia without a license due to various health, public safety and commerce issues.
"All ABC agents are trained regularly on still/moonshine investigations, and each year agents serve search warrants and conduct raids resulting in multiple moonshine-related arrests.
"Public safety and enforcing Virginia's alcohol laws are and continue to be ABC's top priority.±"
"Moonshiners," which is produced by Magilla Entertainment for the Discovery Channel, began Dec. 6.
The reality TV show features "moonshiner" Tim Smith of Pittsylvania County and Virginia ABC agent Jesse Tate.