Changes to a law restricting liquor sales at Virginia restaurants are still on the mind of at least one state legislator representing Arlington.
As Del. Patrick Hope (D-1) prepares for the General Assembly in 2026, he told ARLnow that he is “open to revisiting” a law that mandates that no more than 55% of a restaurant’s sales can come from liquor or mixed drinks.
“[I want] to make sure it reflects how people actually dine and socialize today, while still maintaining appropriate safeguards,” Hope said. “The Senate has sent over thoughtful, bipartisan proposals in recent years, and I believe the House should give this issue a fair hearing.”
Changes to the 45-year-old law, which Hope called “outdated,” aren’t a new idea. Bills introduced in each of the last two legislative sessions would have relaxed the ratio by shrinking the food requirement and imposing additional drops based on total revenue.
But despite overwhelming support from the Senate, both pieces of legislation died before being voted on in the House of Delegates.
It’s unclear why there was a lack of action in the chamber, which Democrats have controlled by a slim margin for the past two years. But with a majority that could be as high as 14 delegates, it’s possible the new makeup of the body could trigger a deeper dive into the issue.
The topic is pressing for Arlington business owners, especially those in nightlife-focused areas like Clarendon, Ballston and Crystal City. Eateries across the county have long bemoaned the current arrangement, which is the reason why bars technically don’t exist in the state.
In February, shortly after the latest legislation was introduced, Ballston Local general manager Greg DeFlorio told ARLnow that relaxing the current ratio would be beneficial to many local businesses.
“It would actually help some of the surrounding businesses that don’t sell as much food,” DeFlorio said. “I think food should always still be available to somebody that is drinking, but I think it would help businesses to lower that ratio a little bit.”
Hope said he intends to promote an appropriate balance between reasonability and safety when the discussion begins.
“Virginia’s food-to-beverage ratio law has been a point of frustration for many small businesses, especially in communities like Arlington with a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene,” Hope said. “I’m committed to working with colleagues, restaurateurs, and ABC to find a balanced approach that supports local businesses and keeps our communities safe.”
