KavaClub, an alcohol-free bar that served drinks made with kava, announced it will be closing at the end of June.

The business faced scrutiny from the beginning, and was required to agree to certain restrictions from the Virginia Department of Health to operate.

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“If KavaClub hadn’t offered us their space, our meeting would have needed to stop for 3 weeks, and I think that would be more of a risk to people’s sobriety.”

The RichmonderNick Caffacus

The beverage that was served, created by steeping ground kava root in water, is reported to have calming and anxiety-reducing effects.

While there are no federal regulations regarding kava as a food or dietary supplement, it is not considered generally recognized as safe, nor is it allowed to be used as a food additive.

"The thought of KavaClub closing is truly disheartening, especially knowing it means one less vital sober alternative for social engagement in our community," the owners wrote in an open letter. "We're particularly sad that our pleas for assistance and requests to meet with elected officials largely went unheard, leaving our concerns unaddressed amidst these regulatory hurdles."

An industry study said that the market for nonalcoholic drinks was projected to grow in the United States by 18% last year.