I am writing in strong support of the proposed extension of happy hour hours under Petition ID 444. The hospitality industry has changed significantly in recent years, and our regulations should evolve with it.

Across Virginia, restaurants, bars, and hotels are facing shifting consumer behavior and a notable decline in alcohol sales, particularly during traditional early-evening hours. Guests are dining later, drinking less per visit, and increasingly prioritizing experiences that extend beyond dinner service. Allowing licensed establishments to offer happy hour pricing later into the evening, for example, until midnight; provides operators with a much-needed tool to attract guests responsibly and remain competitive with other nightlife markets.

This change would not promote over-consumption; it would simply align regulatory limits with current patterns of social dining and consumer choice, while supporting thousands of small businesses that employ Virginians and contribute to local tax bases. Responsible service training, enforcement, and community partnerships will continue to ensure safety remains paramount.

In short, extending happy hour hours modernizes Virginia’s ABC framework and helps local restaurants, bars, and suppliers adapt to today’s economic realities. I urge approval of this petition.

Trân trọng,

Frank Brunetto

Envirocare of Virginia