Last Call Newsletter: September-October 2015

Last Call September-October 2015

It’s Almost Time to Fall Back

Fall Back Clock

ABC-licensed establishments will get an extra hour to operate on Halloween this year as a result of Daylight Saving Time on that same night. 

Clocks are due to fall back an hour from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 1, creating an extra hour. Establishments that normally operate at 2 a.m. will automatically gain an additional hour to conduct business. Establishments will be required to stop all sales and service of alcoholic beverages by 3 a.m. unless the establishment's license states otherwise.

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration will begin conducting enhanced enforcement checks on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 31, which will continue into the next morning. Establishments are reminded to follow security plans, settlement agreements and to verify patron IDs as a means of ensuring a safe evening.


ABC Board Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rulemaking

Board

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) is seeking public comment on its proposal to amend chapters 1 and 8 of Title 23 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations. A hearing will be held on the proposed rulemaking from 1:30-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

The proposed rules specifically include: 

  • Adding definitions to chapter 1 that support changes in chapter 8; and 
  • Establishing a methodology for computing prior violations under the graduated penalty schedule outlined in chapter 8. 

Complete details can be reviewed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Individuals and representatives of organizations that want to testify should contact ABRA General Counsel Martha Jenkins by Monday, Oct. 5. Provide the full name, title, and organization, if applicable, of the person(s) testifying:

  • Email 
  • Call (202) 442-4456 

Witnesses should bring nine copies of their written testimony to the hearing. Testimony may be limited to five minutes in order to permit each person an opportunity to be heard.   

Members of the public that are unable to testify in person are encouraged to provide written comments, which will be made a part of the Board’s official record. Include the full name, title, and organization, if applicable, of the person(s) providing comment(s). Copies of written statements should be submitted to ABRA General Counsel Martha Jenkins no later than Monday, Oct. 26.

  • Email
  • Mail - 2000 14th St., NW, Suite 400 South, Washington, D.C. 20009 

The hearing will be held in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Hearing Room:

  • 2000 14th St., NW, Suite 400 South, 4th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20009  

Annual Payments Due by Sept. 30

Wine Bottles

Time is running out to make annual payments. 

Licensees of taverns, nightclubs, and beer and wine stores that pay for licenses on an annual basis are due to make payments by Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration mailed payment notices to affected licensees in mid-August. 

A fee of $50 per day will be assessed for any late payments, which may not exceed the cost of the license. 


Safekeeping Fees Due Oct. 1

Closed

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) will begin assessing fees on Thursday, Oct. 1 for licenses held in safekeeping. 

Safekeeping is required for any alcoholic beverage license that is temporarily discontinued for any reason. Most licenses are put into safekeeping as a result of renovations or damage to an establishment; the expiration of a lease; or being in the process of moving to a new location.

In August, ABRA notified licensees that are due to make safekeeping payments. Fees will be assessed every six months that a license is approved to be held in safekeeping. Payments must be made within 30 days of the date a billing statement is issued by ABRA. 

Licensees that have question can contact ABRA by calling 202-442-4423 or by emailing.