HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Virginia laws that took effect July 1 are changing the way restaurants operate, easing alcohol sales requirements for some businesses while expanding a statewide ban on Styrofoam food containers.
One law changes Virginia’s long-standing food-to-alcohol sales requirement for restaurants with mixed beverage licenses. The new law lowers the required food sales ratio from 45% to 30% for many establishments. Restaurants that sell at least $48,000 in food each month are now exempt from the ratio requirements.
Tommy Urglavitch, co-owner of Urgie’s Cheesesteaks in Harrisonburg, said his restaurant already sells enough food to qualify for the exemption, but the previous requirement was something he and his brother regularly monitored. While he does not expect the change to significantly affect Urgie’s day-to-day operations, Urglavitch said he believes it will be helpful for smaller restaurants and bars…