Working Toward Less Secret Happy Hours

The Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) is reviewing the current restrictions against the advertising of specials and happy hours by Virginia pubs and restaurants. Unlike their counterparts in Maryland and D.C., Virginia establishments can advertise special events only INSIDE the restaurant, limiting the exposure to potential customers. The Washington Examiner reports that the VABC is reviewing all of its rules and regulations, for the first time in 20 years. Among those antiquated regulations is "an absolute ban on happy hour advertisements anywhere" according to Curtis Coleburn of the ABC Board.

Fixing these rules would put Virginia restaurants on equal footing with their neighbors across the river. It would also allow them to make use of email, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Virginia ABC is accepting input from merchants until October 17.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: "Virginia weighs changes in alcohol ad laws".