RAMW has restaurant members across Northern Virginia, in the City of Alexandria, and in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties.  We continue to work with our Virginia members and state representatives to ensure that their voices and that of the industry are heard. Some of the important issues that the Association has addressed :

• After several different proposals, in 2009 Governor Kaine signed HB 1703, a statewide smoking ban  in restaurants and bars.   RAMW supported this legislation when it was originally proposed in 2008:   View the RAMW Virginia Smoking Ban Position .  For more information see our Recent Virginia Legislation page.

• In recent  years, major transportation legislation has been passed the General Assembly and signed by the the Governor’s office, bringing billions of dollars in transportation funds to Northern Virginia for the next decade. Click here for a 2008 release on transportation matters in Virginia.

• RAMW worked with Virginia members and Del. Adam Ebbin (D) on the overhaul of many anachronistic ABC laws, including the so-called “Sangria” laws. In February 2008 the General Assembly passed revisions (in SB 584) which allow the mixing and serving of Sangria-like beverages in pitchers starting July 1, 2008.  For more information see our Recent Virginia Legislation page.

• In 2009, the Virginia General Assembly again passed a “Guns in Bars” bill (SB 1035), in the face of opposition from many diverse parties, including law enforcement and the restaurant industry. Governor Kaine sensibly responded to this opposition and vetoed the bill.  For more information see our Recent Virginia Legislation page. 

To research legislative information in Virginia:

Visit the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System.

Visit the Official Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Visit the Official Site of the Governor of Virginia.

Other Virginia items: