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Corkage Law Passes In Virginia House 78-18…With A Nudge From RAMW February 22, 2011- With the passage in the Virginia House of Delegates, SB1292, aka The Corkage Bill, will now go to the Governor’s office for final signature. There is every indication that the Governor will sign this Bill.
Corkage, which is common in many jurisdictions across the country including the
District of Columbia, will allow restaurants the choice of offering corkage
service to their patrons. This optional service will allow patrons to bring
wine into an ABC licensed establishment for consumption on the premises for a
fee set by the restaurant. The availability of this service choice in Virginia will allow restaurants to stay competitive and attract the high end wine aficionado who enjoys dining out, but prefers the option of bringing wine from their own collection, local wineries, or other sources. Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington looks forward to this bill being signed by Governor Robert McDonnell and corkage finally becoming another choice for restaurateurs and consumers.
The Virginia General Assembly’s General Laws ABC Subcommittee passed the SB1292, aka The Corkage Bill, on Thursday, February 17th. It will now go on to the full house for vote on Tuesday, February 22. RAMW supports the choice that this legislation affords restaurants and urges you to reach out to your delegate or any delegate with a 703 area code and weigh in on this legislation. The issue, we feel, is not a one size fits all issue, but one of providing the option to offer a service to your customers. Many restaurants may opt to offer corkage, just as a restaurant may choose to take reservations or offer carry out or provide valet or…not. Those that do could expect to benefit from: • Erasing the competitive disadvantage in locations that are in close proximity to areas that allow BYOB• Allowing customers to enjoy a nice meal out while still enjoying a special bottle of wine • Promoting tourism and Virginia wines. Buy a Virginia wine from a vineyard and then enjoy it at a restaurant, just like in California. Again, this is an issue about choice and providing a service to your patrons that is available in many other jurisdictions around the country.
Monday February 14, 2011
The Virginia General Assembly’s General Laws ABC Subcommittee will be considering SB1292 , aka The Corkage Bill, on Thursday, February 17th. RAMW supports the choice that this legislation affords restaurants and urges you to reach out to members of the Subcommittee to weigh in on this legislation. RAMW Weighs In On Proposed Corkage Law In Virginia February 9, 2011- SB1292, which will allow patrons to bring wine into an ABC licensed establishment for consumption on the premises for a fee was passed in the Virginia State Senate yesterday. RAMW supports the rights of consumers to have a choice, and we see no evil in allowing patrons to BYOB, so long as there is no restriction on a restaurant’s right to charge a service fee or so called corkage fee. Restaurant operators can assure payment of costs incurred and a profit through the imposition of such fees. No establishment should be required to allow BYOB, but it should be an option, just as it is in the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions. Not having such an option puts Virginia restaurateurs at a competitive disadvantage in locations that are in close proximity to areas that allow BYOB, thereby depriving Virginia of sales, and the attendant sales tax and revenue. The availability of this option allows restaurants to attract the high end wine aficionado who enjoys dining out, but prefers the option of bringing wine from their own collection, or from other sources. It represents a marketing opportunity, and a way to stay competitive. Choice for consumers is a positive for all, and should be encouraged. SB1292 allows another choice for consumers. RAMW urges you to weigh in on this issue with your State Delegate by clicking here . |
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