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RAMW Weighs in on proposed Corkage Law in Virginia

February 9, 2011

Corkage Law Passes In Virginia House78-18…With A Nudge From RAMW

February 22, 2011- With the passage in the Virginia House ofDelegates, SB1292, aka The Corkage Bill, will now go to the Governor’s officefor final signature. There is every indication that the Governor will sign thisBill.

Corkage, which is common in many jurisdictions across the country including theDistrict of Columbia, will allow restaurants the choice of offering corkageservice to their patrons. This optional service will allow patrons to bringwine into an ABC licensed establishment for consumption on the premises for afee set by the restaurant.  

RAMW President Lynne Breaux and staff went to Richmond last week and met withlawmakers prior to today’s vote. In addition, RAMW restaurant members sentemails and made phone calls to their delegates in support of the bill.

The availability of this service choice in Virginia willallow restaurants to stay competitive and attract the high end wine aficionadowho enjoys dining out, but prefers the option of bringing wine from their owncollection, local wineries, or other sources.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington looks forwardto this bill being signed by Governor Robert McDonnell and corkage finallybecoming another choice for restaurateurs and consumers.

 


 

The Virginia General Assembly’s General Laws ABCSubcommittee passed the SB1292,aka The Corkage Bill, on Thursday, February 17th. It will now go on to the full housefor vote on Tuesday, February 22. RAMW supports the choice that thislegislation affords restaurants and urges you to reach out to your delegate or any delegate with a703 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. Manyrestaurants may opt to offer corkage, just as a restaurant may choose to takereservations or offer carry out or provide valet or…not. Those that do couldexpect to benefit from:

•    Erasing the competitive disadvantage in locations that arein close proximity to areas that allow BYOB
•    Allowing customers to enjoy a nice meal out while stillenjoying a special bottle of wine
•    Promoting tourism and Virginia wines. Buy a Virginia winefrom 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 patronsthat 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.

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.
  


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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Jurisdiction:
Virginia