 The DC Council unanimously approved at the first reading four alcohol bills, listed below, as introduced by Mayor Muriel Bowser at its 18th legislative meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
The DC Council will likely consider the bills for a second time on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. If approved, the bills will be sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser for consideration.
 Civil Penalty Schedule
On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 11:30 a.m., the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board will hold a public hearing for the Civil Penalty Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The proposed rulemaking will update the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration’s (ABRA) civil penalty schedule by adding new infractions and penalties, removing duplicative infractions, and amending the descriptions of various infractions so that they more accurately describe the violation.
Written public comment is due to Martha Jenkins, ABRA’s General Counsel, via email to martha.jenkins@dc.gov, by Monday, November 25, 2019.
All hearings take place in the ABC Board Hearing Room adjacent to ABRA's office at 2000 14th Street NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20009.
 Through the District’s Extended Holiday Hours Program, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and manufacturers with an on-site sales and consumption permit can apply to be allowed to sell and serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24/7 over select holiday periods.
Once approved, the registration is valid for all eligible holidays for future years. There is no cost to apply or participate in the program.
Upcoming holidays eligible for extended hours include:
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Thanksgiving Day Weekend | Thursday evening, November 28, 2019 – Sunday morning, December 1, 2019. Registration date has passed.
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Christmas Day | Tuesday evening, December 24, 2019 – Wednesday morning, December 25, 2019. Registration deadline is Monday, November 25, 2019.
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New Year’s Day | Tuesday evening, December 31, 2019 – Wednesday morning, January 1, 2019. Registration deadline is Monday, December 2, 2019.
The 2020 Extended Holidays Hours Schedule, announced in September 2019, is now available.
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All pub crawl licenses issued in 2019 expire on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
Organizers planning pub crawls for 200 or more participants in 2020 must submit a new license application—with a comprehensive litter removal plan—at least 60-days prior to the initial pub crawl event.
Pub crawls are prohibited on July 4, October 31, and December 31.
All applications are subject to the approval by the ABC Board and approved pub crawl applications are published online.
Other approaching license and permit renewal deadlines include:
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Solicitor | Tuesday, June 30, 2020
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Alcohol Certification Provider | Tuesday, June 30, 2020
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Manufacturer Class B | Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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Wholesaler Class B | Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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Off-Premises Retailer Class B | Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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Internet Retailer Class IB | Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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Farmers Market Class J and K | One year from the issuance date
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ABC Manager | Two years from the issuance date
The full renewal schedule is available at abra.dc.gov.
Renewal packets are mailed to the licensee’s or permittee's address on file for the aforementioned—with the exception of Farmers Market and ABC Manager License and Alcohol Certification Provider Permit types—at least one month in advance of the expiration date.
Please note that it is the responsibility of licensees to keep their contact information current to ensure they will receive their renewal packets—and to renew their licenses by the expiration date regardless if they receive the notice.
ABC Licensee Contact Information Forms are available at abra.dc.gov.
 The 2020 ABC Board and ABRA Office Schedule—in addition to the current year’s schedule—is now available online.
The ABC Board convenes every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. except when in recess. Hearings are open to the public, including the media, and held in the ABC Board Hearing Room adjacent to ABRA’s office.
Additionally, customers are encouraged to note the holidays that ABRA’s office will be closed so they may plan ahead for services requiring an in-person visit. On days and hours the office is closed, customers are encouraged to visit abra.dc.gov.
Upcoming dates to note:
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ABC Board Recess | November 27, 2019 and December 18, 2019 - January 1, 2020.
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ABRA Office Closure | Thursday, November 28, 2019, Friday, November 29, 2019, Friday, December 25, 2019, and Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
 There is just one more training opportunity on the books for the current calendar year. Secure your spot today—and be on the lookout for the 2020 education calendar.
ABC Licensee Orientation
Thursday, December 19, 2019
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Translation available upon advance request)
Geared towards new ABC licensees, participants will be introduced to ABC laws and regulations, best practices, noise abatement, settlement agreements, and how to work effectively with residents.
All trainings take place in ABRA's office at 2000 14th Street NW, Fourth Floor, Washington DC 20009.
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