(HB1994)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1994, which mandates that establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption provide free potable water to customers upon request.

Small businesses, particularly bars and restaurants, already operate under significant financial and regulatory pressures. This legislation imposes an additional mandate that increases costs for these businesses. Many establishments already provide free drinking water voluntarily, making this bill an example of government overreach that places an undue burden on business owners without clear justification.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.