1/18/2011

CHARLESTON, W.Va.-Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the selection of Ron Moats to serve as Commissioner of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA), replacing Dallas Staples. Mr. Moats’ appointment is effective immediately.

“I appreciate the time and work Dallas completed while at WVABCA and wish him well,” said Gov. Tomblin. 

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Moats served as Assistant Director at the West Virginia Lottery. Moats also lead a number of projects for then-Governor Joe Manchin during his tenure at the Governor’s Office which began in 2005 and concluded in September 2010. From 1989 through January 2005, Moats worked at WVABCA and held the title of Acting Commissioner for two years. 

“I am pleased that Ron has accepted this appointment,” said Gov. Tomblin. “His historical knowledge combined with his fresh perspective will lead WVABCA well into the future.” 

Moats is a 1981 graduate of Fairmont State University. The Grafton native currently resides in Charleston, W.Va.

This may be good for the Beer Culture in WV. I heard today from the new owner of Lost River Brewing Co. that they had been having some major issues acquiring a Brewpub Licence if he was going to sell liquor at his establishment. Without going into a lot of detail, the decision by the WV ABCA to not allow Lost River to manufacture beer because they were selling liquor was not in accordance to the WV State Code or the ABCA regulations. The good news is one  of the first thing the new ABCA commissioner did was allow Lost River to obtain their manufactures license. 

Hopefully this is a sign that Commissioner Moats will be willing to help foster an environment that is more conducive to a better beer culture in WV.