The changes affect hours of operation, deliveries, off-premises alcohol sales and outdoor sales/dining. The City will also begin work on legislation to implement temporary or, where appropriate, permanent changes to the City Code to allow these activities.
“These changes are significant- and clearly demonstrate the City’s desire to be flexible, move quickly and help our community stay safe WHILE allowing commerce to continue," said Stephanie Landrum, president & CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. "It also provides more ways for residents to access food with limited contact and exposure to others.”
Among the changes, which are all in effect until further notice:
Restaurant Deliveries and Pick-up: The City is suspending enforcement of delivery regulations in order to allow all restaurants to provide delivery service and pick-up service.
Delivery vehicles and customer pick-ups may use on-street parking subject to posted parking requirements.
Hours of Operation: The City is suspending enforcement of hours-of-operation restrictions on restaurants, convenience stores, catering operations and automobile service stations (gasoline stations).
Sidewalk/Parking Lot Vending: The City is permitting restaurants and retail establishments to vend on adjacent sidewalks or parking lots.
Off Premises Alcohol Sales: The City is suspending enforcement of local restrictions on alcohol sales, including off-premises alcohol sales and delivery. Business remain subject to all VABC licensure requirements.
Outdoor Dining Expansion: The City is allowing restaurants flexibility to reallocate seats between indoor and outdoor areas. The City will also consider for potential administrative approval requests to expand outdoor dining areas for the purpose of social distancing. Interested businesses should contact Planning and Zoning Land Use Services at 703-746-4666.
City Council is also considering implementing a variety of additional regulations to help the local economy, which is already suffering heavily due to concerns about coronavirus and community health and safety.
For more information:
Alexandria Gets Two Brew-Thrus, Beer Delivery Service
Alexandria Restaurants and Shops Open during Coronavirus: ALX at Home Launches with Info
Amazon Donates $1 Million to D.C. Region’s Community Foundations for Coronavirus Response
Unemployment Insurance and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know in Virginia
