RICHMOND, Va. WRIC — As the 2025 General Assembly session approaches, Virginia lawmakers are discussing possible changes to rules about alcohol sales in restaurants.
One major focus is the state’s food-to-beverage ratio, called the Mixed Beverage Annual Review (MBAR). Currently, restaurants must make at least 45% of their total monthly sales from food or non-alcoholic drinks.
Earlier this year, lawmakers tried to lower that requirement to 35% but couldn’t pass the bill.
Tommy Herbert, who represents the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association, spoke about the issue at a Small Business Commission meeting on Tuesday. He said the 1,200 businesses his group represents are divided on what to do—some want the ratio lowered or removed, while others prefer to keep it the same.
Hotels and restaurants near attractions, like beachside bars, are pushing to lower or eliminate the ratio. According to Herbert, these businesses often sell more alcohol than food because of their location and customer demand.
“Think of bars at the beach,” Herbert said. “Liquor sales may thrive there, but food sales might not.”
On the other hand, some restaurant owners worry that removing the ratio could harm their businesses. They feel it might create an unfair advantage for new businesses that focus heavily on selling alcohol.
Adding to the complexity is a lawsuit from a Portsmouth restaurant challenging the legality of the MBAR requirement, which could influence the debate.
Herbert expects this conversation to continue into the next legislative session.