Virginia’s food-to-beverage ratio could change as lawmakers head back to Richmond in 2025 [Video]

VIRGINIA, USA — The decade-old discussion about what to do with the state’s food-to-beverage ratio could be heading back to Richmond, as state lawmakers heard the points for and against the standard.

According to Virginia law, restaurants cannot earn more than 55% in monthly sales of alcoholic drinks. This forces restaurant owners to earn roughly 45% of their sales strictly from selling food or non-alcoholic drinks. 

On Tuesday, the state’s Small Business Commission heard from Tommy Herbert, Director of Government Affairs for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association. Herbert told lawmakers even business owners remain split on the issue.

In 2024, lawmakers tried to pass a bill that would amend the ratio to just 35%, but it ultimately failed.

Now the measure could return to Richmond once more as some lawmakers agreed there …