Stacey R. Hamman

New ABC program may eventually soften the hated 45% ratio

The often-ridiculed law that requires restaurants to sell a minimum dollar value of food based on liquor sales has shown extraordinary staying power, in part because a powerful beer and wine lobby opposes upsetting the status quo.

But one law based on House Bill 2293, could make things easier for restaurant owners who want to sell high-quality liquor by allowing restaurants to calculate their ratio based on the volume of liquor sold, not by the dollar figure as is currently done.

VCU cuts costs, may raise tuition

As the spring semester draws to a close, the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors is mulling over how to deal with reductions in the school’s budget. Among the cost-cutting measures being considered are bigger class sizes, more adjunct faculty and a possible tuition increase.