GA discusses food to alcohol ratio

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - The general assembly is now getting involved in the debate over how much food a business must sell to keep it's liquor license.

Right now, for every dollar sold in a mixed beverage, 45 cents needs to be sold in food. But a bill heard by the state house Tuesday could have d ropped that to 25 cents.

Some businesses like Tobacco Company are working to keep it the same. They're worried lowering the ratio could increase crime and change the landscape. But on the other hand, business owners who sell expensive drinks find it difficult to meet the required amount of food and don't feel it's necessary.

"It's really the only means we have to police bar only concepts," said Tobacco Company's director of operations, Mike Byrne.

Byrne thinks the law as it stands provides responsibility for customers and accountability for the business  and is worried reducing the amount of food that needs to be sold in relation to mixed alcoholic beverages is dangerous.

"If a guy comes in next door and opens up a bar, and that's all he does, you know, is that healthy for the community," asked Byrne.

But Mac McCormack, owner of McCormack's Big Whisky Grill and two other Richmond bar/restaurants, says food isn't the answer to crime reduction.

"They want to use the food ratio as tool to get rid of the bad places, but it doesn't work," said McCormack.

And he said it's impossible to keep up in food sales with his shelves of high end liquor that can be sold at hundreds of dollars in just one pour.

"If we sell you one shot for $120, we need to sell you five entrees to meet the ratio," said McCormack.

In fact he's feeling the effects of a violation already at one of his restaurants after not meeting the food ratio by 3%.

"The penalty was a $2,500 fine and one month revocation of our license," said McCormack.

But Byrne said, "Virginia has really set the example nationally on how to have responsible alcohol control."

House bill 219 was amended Tuesday, keeping the food to beverage ratio at 45%, but now businesses can calculate that ratio based on what they paid for the food and drink instead of what they sell it for. Another similar bill will be heard in the Senate on Friday.