ABRA Last Call Newsletter: May-June edition

ABRA May-June Edition 2014

REAL ID Check

DC driver's license

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) began issuing new versions of the DC driver's license and ID card on May 1.

The new credentials—dubbed REAL IDs—look the same as the older versions but have a black star in the upper-right corner. The star indicates that DC DMV has done additional security checks on the applicant, including validating proof of identity, social security and DC residency. The new credentials are being phased in over the next few years.

DC driver's licenses and ID cards without the black star are still valid until their expiration date and should continue to be accepted. 

In order to purchase alcoholic beverages, a person is required to produce a valid government issued ID that includes the person's name, date of birth, signature and photograph. A person also needs to be at least 21 years of age.

Visit the DC DMV’s website for complete details about the new credentials.

Validating IDs: Five Quick Tips for ABC Licensees 

1. Before doing anything, get the license in your hand.
2. Verify that the person presenting the ID is the same as the person in the photo.
3. Validate that security features are present on the license.
4. Be prepared to ask questions about the person and ID.
5. When in doubt, ask for secondary forms of ID.  


Board to Vote on Adams Morgan Moratorium

Adams Morgan

More than 30 people testified on the future of the Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone at the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board’s (Board) hearing on May 7. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C, the Kalorama Citizens Association, business owners and residents were among those that provided input, which ranged from modifying the moratorium, to extending it in its current form, to ending it altogether. 

The Board is currently reviewing all of the testimony provided through May 9 to decide what is in the best interest of the public. The Board is expected to vote on a decision before the existing moratorium expires, which is on July 12. 

The Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone is the second largest neighborhood moratorium in the District, extending 1,400 feet in all directions from the intersection of Belmont Road and 18th Street, NW. It currently prohibits the issuance of any new alcoholic beverage licenses to restaurants, nightclubs, taverns and multipurpose facilities in the zone. Visit ABRA's website to learn complete details of the moratorium.