Idea for Richmond
Imagine strolling from Havana '59 to the Canal Walk without having to part ways with your mojito. Or spending a sunny afternoon browsing the shops in Carytown, Bloody Mary in hand. That’s the vision behind Matthew Davey’s big idea: thoughtfully designed entertainment districts where pedestrians can legally carry alcoholic beverages as they move through vibrant neighborhoods like Shockoe Bottom.
“If you're trying to revitalize a neighborhood, this is the tool,” says Davey, a Richmond-based DJ and events promoter.
On the surface, it may sound counterintuitive—after all, public drinking is often associated with disorder rather than renewal. But Davey points to cities like Savannah, where designated drinking zones have helped boost tourism and create lively, walkable downtowns. His idea has been percolating since a 2010 visit there and has only gained traction in his mind after seeing similar setups in cities like New Orleans and Miami.
In Richmond, though, it’s not just a matter of local will. Virginia state law currently prohibits municipalities from regulating the sale, consumption, or distribution of alcohol, making it impossible for cities like Richmond to establish their own public consumption ordinances. Through a new Facebook group—RVA ABC Ordinance—Davey is calling for that to change.
His proposal? Repeal the law that restricts local control over alcohol policy and allow Richmond to establish licensed entertainment districts, giving the city tools to both promote hospitality and better manage establishments that pose public safety concerns. Restaurants and bars within these zones would need an additional city-issued alcohol license—offering an added layer of oversight and accountability.
It’s a bold idea. And yes, Davey admits, a long shot.
State Delegate Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, says such legislation would likely face steep resistance. “If the desire is for more use of alcohol, and in a more public way,” he notes, “I don’t think it’s going to be received very well.”
Still, some local leaders are open to the conversation. City Councilman Charles Samuels says the concept has potential, but wants to examine real data: “I’d want to look at some hard numbers before determining whether open-container laws in other cities have actually helped increase tourism.”
Davey, for his part, isn’t deterred. He’s betting on grassroots momentum to spark interest—and maybe, just maybe, nudge Richmond closer to a model of urban vitality that blends Southern hospitality with smart policy.