Committee makes third‑party cocktail delivery permanent, citing high compliance in ABC decoy operations
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Summary
Senate Bill 811, which would remove the sunset on third‑party alcohol delivery from ABC‑licensed restaurants, passed the committee after patrons and industry stakeholders said compliance tests showed high adherence to underage‑sales rules.
The Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee voted to report Senate Bill 811, a measure to repeal the sunset on third‑party cocktail delivery and allow ABC‑licensed restaurants to continue using third‑party services for alcohol delivery.
Senator Aaron Rouse, the bill’s patron, called cocktails to‑go “a public policy success story,” saying the policy helped restaurants during the pandemic and provides an important revenue stream for businesses that typically operate on thin margins.
ABC staff testimony — referenced by the committee — reported compliance in decoy operations was “well over 90%,” and committee members described the results as part of the evidence that current regulation works. Industry groups and service providers spoke in favor: Nicole Brenner for Uber Eats, Tommy Herbert for the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association, Heidi Cook representing Walmart, Cindy DeFranco of the Virginia Spirits Association and Travis Smiley of the Virginia Food Industry Association each offered brief supportive remarks.
On the committee roll call the bill was reported favorably (Ayes 13, No 0). The bill as reported would make a permanent option for restaurant third‑party delivery under the state’s ABC regulatory framework.
Ending: The measure now advances in the Senate process; proponents said they expect ABC rules and enforcement to continue to govern compliance.