RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia residents can now take a shot at extending happy hour at their favorite bar.

Right now, Virginia law requires reduced-priced alcoholic drinks to stop being sold at nine p.m. But the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA) is asking Virginia ABC to extend happy hour to midnight.

Chesterfield’s Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE), an advocacy group for laws and policies that reduce substance abuse, said this three-hour change could affect public safety. But for VRLTA, expanding happy hour could attract customers and benefit local businesses.

Happy hour is a century-old term that’s inspired hit songs and maybe gets some through the work week. But since the pandemic, customer trends and alcohol consumption have changed.

“We are findi

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