[Archived] City of Alexandria Suspends Certain Regulatory Enforcement to Support Local Businesses and Food Access

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2020

The City of Alexandria has suspended enforcement of certain regulations and special use permit conditions that limit hours of operation, deliveries, off-premises alcohol sales, and outdoor sales and dining. The suspended enforcement is intended to support local business and access to food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is working on legislation to implement temporary or, where appropriate, permanent changes to the City Code to allow these activities.

Beginning March 19, and until further notice:

Restaurant Deliveries and Pick-up - Suspended 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 - Suspended enforcement of hours-of-operation restrictions on restaurants, convenience stores, catering operations and automobile service stations (gasoline stations).
Sidewalk/Parking Lot Vending - Restaurants and retail establishments may vend on adjacent sidewalks or parking lots.
Off-Premises Alcohol Sales - Suspended enforcement of local restrictions on alcohol sales, including off-premises alcohol sales and delivery. Businesses remain subject to all Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority licensure requirements.
Outdoor Dining Expansion - There are no changes to outdoor dining regulation (note that an earlier draft of such changes was incorrect). Restaurants may not operate when more than 10 patrons are present between all indoor and outdoor areas.

Visit Alexandria is helping everyone experience Alexandria’s restaurants, shops and attractions with a list of options available from the comfort of your own home.

The order from the Governor and the State Health Commissioner issued on March 17, that prohibits restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters from operating with more than 10 customers present, remains in effect. Violation of the order is a criminal offense.

For more information about the COVID-19 coronavirus and how you can help protect yourself and those around you, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virginia residents can also call the Virginia Department of Health public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions about the novel coronavirus situation. If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, call or text 911.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Craig Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.