WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Virginia's spas bypass laws by serving alcohol
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It's been 40 years since Virginia allowed liquor to be sold by the drink. Since then, the state's ABC laws have gotten complicated.
For example, day spas can now purchase a license to serve alcohol. Customers at the spa for a massage, manicure or other service may be served two glasses of wine or one glass of beer, bypassing Virginia's standard requirement to serve food.
But at restaurants where liquor is served, 45% of the establishment's sales still have to come from food.
"The primary public policy issue of all of our ABC laws since 1934 has been the prevention of the return of the saloon days," says ABC Chief Operating Officer Curtis Coleburn.
Coleburn says requiring food keeps rowdy "watering holes" from popping up. He was speaking to a newly-formed joint committee studying Virginia's ABC laws. The goal is to clarify the standard that businesses must meet to sell alcohol.
