Update: On Tuesday, the city council voted to allow a temporary valet parking permit at Town Center.
Only one member opposed.
Virginia Beach, Va. - On Thursday, people dining at three of Virginia Beach Town Center's restaurants noticed a change -- no more valet parking.
Since 2008, anyone could use the valet parking outside Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, McCormick and Smith, and Sonoma Wine Bar and Bistro. But as of Wednesday, the city suspended the luxury.
"The service has been provided since Town Center first opened. It's, I think, public knowledge that we offer valet service here and it went away suddenly because the determination had been made that it's unlawful," says Amy Cherry, general manager of Town Center.
For $8.00, drivers would take cars to free parking spots in Town Center.
"This place is supposed to be all about luxury and convenience and having a good time and stuff like that. And that offer of having a valet is a really good draw," says one Town Center visitor.
But the valets didn't have a permit. And now, after weeks of discussion, Beach city officials are saying no more.
"It was a verbal agreement. We did not realize at the time that there was ordinance prohibiting us from providing this service and we continued to do so. It was popular. People used the service and they were happy we could offer it, and the determination was made yesterday that it was unlawful," Cherry says.
