Virginia ABC allows businesses to expand to outside dining areas such as parking lots or patios but only with a localitys approval – WAVY.com

VIRGINIA (WAVY) As Virginia enters phase 1 of reopening and businesses are allowed to open for outdoor dining, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority is looking to help businesses in that process.

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority is expanding opportunities for ABC-licensed businesses to serve alcohol outside their establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virginia ABC has created an expedited approval process for outside dining areas as some businesses consider expanding their outdoor dining areas. The process allows the temporary expansion of dining areas only while the governors executive orders 61 and 62 are in effect.

Gov. Ralph Northams Executive Order 61 which starts the phase 1 reopening process allows restaurants to now operate with delivery, take-out, and outdoor dining and beverage services only. Occupancy at those restaurants must be at 50-percent capacity.

Executive Order 62 exempts Northern Virginia from the states reopening process.

The Virginia ABCs new expedited process comes with a few stipulations:

The Virginia ABCs guidance comes just one day after Virginia Beach officials briefed City Council on their plans to safely reopen the beaches and Oceanfront businesses.

Those plans include possibly expanding restaurants ability to serve food and drink on sidewalks, in parking lots and on the boardwalk.

City Council is set to hear more about those plans during a meeting Thursday.

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Virginia ABC allows businesses to expand to outside dining areas such as parking lots or patios but only with a localitys approval - WAVY.com