Restaurant industry divided as senators consider updating mixed-beverage ratio law

Senator Bennett Parker presented HB 975 to modernize the mixed-beverage-restaurant (MBAR) ratio, a licensing rule that historically required restaurants to show a minimum share of sales from food. Supporters told the committee the 1968-era law no longer reflects modern pricing—high-end cocktails can make meeting the food-sales ratio impractical for restaurants that are, in every other respect, bona fide dining establishments.

Opponents, including representatives of the Virginia Restaurant Association, argued the measure could harm restaurant jobs and be difficult to enforce. Matt Betka and Mike Byrne cautioned that the proposal risks creating bar-only concepts and cited concerns about arbitrary thresholds.

Supporters including David Hallock and Tommy Herbert said the change would help thousands of Virginia restaurants adapt to changing consumer preferences and pricing pressures. After roughly equal time for opponents and proponents, the subcommittee moved to report HB 975; the roll was recorded as 13 yes and 2 no.