LAST CALL NEWSLETTER 

July-August 2016

New Pub Crawl Rules in Effect

Applications now due 60 days in advance of events.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) is implementing a second round of changes to the District’s pub crawl regulations. The new rules are in effect as of Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Updates to the regulations include input that the Board received from public safety officials, community members and business owners at a hearing that was held on March 2. 

Nuances in the latest set of rules include implementing an annual pub crawl license and fee; increased submission deadlines for applications from 45 days to 60 days; event notice to more public safety agencies; and providing a longer review period for litter removal plans. The new rules also include terms that were part of the last set of regulations that were issued in January, which provide the Board with greater authority to manage events; strengthen responsibilities of pub crawl organizers; require litter removal plans; and prohibit establishments from participating in more than one pub crawl event at a time. Complete details can be reviewed in the Board's rulemaking.

Under the new rules, pub crawl organizers and promoters are required to obtain an annual pub crawl license and to pay a $500 licensing fee to hold events in the District that include more than 200 participants. The license is only valid for the calendar year that it is issued. In order to apply for the license, promoters and organizers must submit ABRA's new pub crawl license application at least 60 days prior to holding an initial event in the District. 

Licensed organizers and promoters also need to obtain Board approval to hold each pub crawl event. As part of the new process, promoters and organizers must submit ABRA's new pub crawl event form along with an operational plan, security plan, and litter removal plan to to the Board, Metropolitan Police Department and District Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) at least 60 days prior to an event. The Board included notification requirements to these agencies to enhance awareness of the events among public safety officials whose resources may be utilized.

Applicants are also required under the new rules to submit a litter removal plan at least 60 days in advance of holding a pub crawl to the District Department of Public Works (DPW). Under the latest rules, DPW has 10 days to review the plan and to notify an organizer or promoter of whether the plan has been approved or denied. 

In addition, within three days following a pub crawl, promoters and organizers are required to submit a signed litter plan contract with a waste management company and proof of payment for services to ABRA and DPW.

Promoters and organizers are required to follow all terms of the Board's new rulemaking. 

A schedule of upcoming Board approved pub crawl events in the District is available on ABRA's website to assist with notice of events to the community and public safety officials.

Promoters and organizers that have questions about the new rulemaking or those that want to comment on the rules through Aug. 7, can do so by emailing or calling (202) 442-4423.

Tavern and Nightclub Licenses Due for Renewal

Licenses must be renewed by Sept. 30, 2016.

Liquor license renewal season is quickly approaching for District taverns and nightclubs. Approximately 400 of the businesses are due to renew  licenses by Friday, Sept. 30. The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) will be mailing license renewal applications to businesses in mid-August. Any nightclub or tavern licensee that does not receive a renewal notice in the mail by Thursday, Sept. 1 should contact ABRA.                   Once the application is received, a licensee can visit ABRA’s office any time before Sept. 30 to renew. Licensees are encouraged to renew ahead of the deadline to avoid long lines that can occur at the end of the month. Renewals may only be completed in person at ABRA’s office: 2000 14th St., NW, 4th Floor, Suite 400 South, Washington DC 20009. Applications not returned by the required deadline will be subject to a late fee beginning Saturday, Oct. 1 of $50 per day—not to exceed the cost of the license—and cancellation. Alcoholic beverage licenses are required to be renewed every three years with all licenses of the same type expiring on the same date. The next sets of licenses requiring renewal will be all beer and wine (class B) manufacturers and retailers, which are set to expire on Friday, March 31, 2017. A schedule of license renewals can be reviewed on ABRA’s website. Complete details on license renewals are also available online. Licensees that have questions can contact ABRA by emailing or calling (202) 442-4423.

Annual Payments Due Sept. 30, 2016

Beer and wine retailers and distributors (class B) that pay for liquor licenses on an annual basis are due to make payments to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) by Friday, Sept. 30. Licensees should check their mail in mid-August for payment notices. Payment may be mailed or delivered in person to ABRA's office. Licensing fees should be paid on time. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 1, a late fee of $50 per day will be assessed for any late payments, which may not exceed the cost of the license. Licensees that have questions can contact ABRA by email or (202) 442-4423.

Attend Licensee Orientation Aug. 25, 2016

New and existing ABC licensees are invited to attend ABRA’s Orientation Training from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 to learn about:

• District ABC laws and regulations (including recent changes to the law),
• Tips for working effectively with the community,
• Settlement Agreements,
• Expectations of licensees,
• Best practices, and
• Noise abatement and sound management.

Contact ABRA Community Resource Officer Sarah Fashbaugh by Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 to register by emailing or calling (202) 397-3971.

Attendance for this class is strongly recommended for new license holders. Training is free of charge. Requests for interpreters may be made; however, they must be submitted by the registration deadline. Training is located at:

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

New Community Training Offered Sept. 13, 2016

Members of the public that missed the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration's (ABRA) new community training this summer will have a second chance to attend. The next training will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13.

The community training is intended to proactively provide residents and community groups with information about ABRA’s role, a general overview of alcohol licensing in the District, as well as information on settlement agreement, protest and hearing processes.

Members of the community that are interested in attending can contact ABRA Community Resource Officer Sarah Fashbaugh by Friday, Sept. 9 by emailing or calling (202) 397-3971.

Training is free of charge. Requests for interpreters may be made; however, they must be submitted by the registration deadline. Training is located at:

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

Books and Records Training to be Held Sept. 20, 2016

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) invites hotel and restaurant licensees to attend a books and records training on Tuesday, Sept. 20 to learn about food sales requirements and reporting, quarterly statement filings, and books and records tracking.

Licensees and their staff can attend one of two training sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 20:

• 9–11 a.m. (Spanish interpreter available); or
• 2-4 p.m. (Korean interpreter available).

Contact ABRA Compliance Analyst Monica Clark by Sept. 14 to sign up for training by emailing or calling (202) 442-4438. Training is located at:

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

ABRA's Office Closed Labor Day

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration's office will be closed on Monday, Sept.5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

ABC Board Recess 

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) will be on recess during the following dates: 

• Wednesday, Aug. 17,
• Wednesday, Aug. 24, and
• Wednesday, Aug. 31.

 The Board will reconvene on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration will remain open and operate during normal business hours while the Board is on recess.