Richmond – Delegate David Englin (D-45) announced today that the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has reversed its prohibition on hotel manager’s receptions that include complimentary wine and beer for guests and their visitors. This is the result of Englin’s efforts with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Alexandria hotels that have been at a competitive disadvantage with hotels in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, where such receptions are permitted.
“We are very pleased to have worked with Delegate Englin to effect positive change not only for Alexandria hotels but for all ABC licensed hotels in Virginia,” said Tina Leone, president and chief executive officer of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. “With this revision, Alexandria will be more competitive in attracting additional business and leisure travelers. This change is a real victory for the hotel and tourism industry in Virginia.”
Throughout the nation, high-end hotels hold evening hospitality receptions that include complimentary drinks as an amenity for guests and their visitors. However, prior to this week’s decision, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control interpreted Virginia law to forbid this practice in the Commonwealth. Of the 49 Kimpton Hotels nationwide, including 12 in the D.C. metropolitan area, their three Virginia hotels — all in Alexandria — have been the only ones not able to provide this level of hospitality expected by their customers.
“This is an economic competitiveness issue for the communities I represent,” said Englin. “Kimpton alone employs nearly 350 people in Alexandria, and they generate more than $2 million in tax revenue to the state and $3 million in tax revenue to the city. When I learned that Virginia’s prohibition gave their competitors in D.C. and Maryland a leg up, I committed fix it.”
Englin requested that the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control review its prohibition and drafted House Bill 354 to address the issue legislatively if necessary. This week’s decision negates the need for legislation, so Englin withdrew his bill today.
“An administrative fix was far preferable, since the hotels may now begin offering this service immediately,” said Englin. “I appreciate ABC being responsive to our concerns so hotels like the Monaco, Lorien, and Morrison House in Alexandria can compete on a stronger footing with hotels across the Potomac.”
W. Curtis Coleburn, chief operating officer of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, verified Wednesday that Virginia hotels may now host manager’s receptions that “include guests accompanying registered guests, so long as the practice is in no way a shift or device to evade the restriction on gifts of alcohol by licensees.”
Delegate David Englin is Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and is serving his third term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 45th District, which includes parts of the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Arlington County.
