Bill introduced in Virginia House seeks updates to alcoholic beverage control regulations

A newly introduced bill from State Del. Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker proposes changes to the regulation of restaurants and caterers under Virginia’s alcoholic beverage control laws, according to the Virginia State House.

The measure, filed as HB975 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular session, carries the formal title: “Alcoholic beverage control; food-to-beverage ratio, report.”

Below is a summary, based on the bill’s actual text, including clarification where needed for understanding.

In summary, this bill amends Virginia’s alcoholic beverage control laws by changing how “restaurant” and related categories are defined, so that licenses for mixed beverage restaurants, caterers, and limited caterers will be linked to a food-to-beverage ratio established by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority instead of a fixed 45% food sales requirement. The measure instructs the Authority to set regulations requiring eligible mixed beverage license holders with at least $4,000 in monthly food sales to comply with a 30% or 45% food-to-beverage ratio, depending on their kitchen setup, and permits suspension of spirits purchasing rights for failing to document compliance. The bill allows the Authority’s initial regulations to bypass full Administrative Process Act procedures, requiring a 30-day public comment period, and requires the Authority to gather and report on the impact of the new ratios by Nov. 1, 2027.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker (Democrat-5th District), Rep. Alfonso H. Lopez (Democrat-3rd District), and Rep. Jackie H. Glass (Democrat-93rd District).

Since the current session began, Bennett-Parker has filed an additional 12 bills.

Bennett-Parker earned a BA from Cornell University in 2007.

Bennett-Parker, a Democrat, was elected in 2026 to the Virginia State Senate to represent the 39th House District, succeeding former senator Adam Ebbin.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts when a bill is introduced in either chamber. The bill is assigned to one or more committees for review and possible amendment. If it passes committee, it advances to debate and a vote on the floor in both the House and Senate. If approved by both chambers, the bill goes to the governor, who may sign it, veto it, or let it become law without signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets each year in regular session starting on the second Monday in January. Lawmakers bring forward hundreds of measures annually, but only a fraction are enacted.