 The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration is now the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is now the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board).
The name changes, required by the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act (Act) of 2022, reflect the agency’s and ABC Board’s increased portfolio which was expanded to include DC’s medical cannabis program in October 2020.
While there will be no disruption in services, updates to select agency contact information have been made including the following:
Individual ABCA staff member email addresses and phone numbers as well as the agency’s physical location and main phone lines remain unchanged.
Learn more about the Act in Medical Cannabis Law Now in Effect Expands Patient Access and Creates Business Opportunities.
 Spring Prep Reminders
Now that the weather is warming and venues are increasing the availability of their outdoor offerings, licensees are reminded that specific activities require license endorsements, and that Board Orders and Settlement Agreements apply and may include restrictions.
Available endorsements include:
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Sidewalk Café | Allows alcohol to be served in outdoor public space such as the sidewalk outside an establishment.
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Summer Garden | Allows alcohol to be served in outdoor private space such as a courtyard or rooftop.
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Streatery | Allows alcohol to be sold and served on new and expanded ground floor or street level outdoor public or private space not listed on its existing alcohol license.
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Entertainment | Allows venues to offer live entertainment such as a DJ, singer, band, or trivia.
Licensees interested in adding an endorsement must submit the appropriate application. Applications are subject to a public comment period and ABC Board approval.
Additionally, venues should be diligent about mitigating the noise level originating from:
- Patrons queueing, exiting/entering, socializing in licensed outdoor spaces, or loitering outdoors
- Live or recorded music particularly in any licensed outdoors place and if any windows, doors, or skylights are open.
The most commonly reported complaint to ABCA are noise complaints. ABCA responds to every complaint and violations may result in fines and/or license suspension or revocation. Information on noise ordinances can be found on ABCA's website.
 Legislative Update
Notice of Public Comment Period
The ABC Board will hold a hearing to receive public comment concerning the License and Permit Categories (23 DCMR Chapter Two) at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
The ABC Board’s proposed rules will:
- Add new license categories from the Reopen DC Bill to Chapter 2, including the Third-Party Delivery and Commercial Lifestyle Center Licenses
- Add corresponding licensing fees
- Update the licensing renewal period table
- Consolidate auction permits and strikes references to delicatessens
The ABC Board is accepting written comments on the proposed rulemaking. Submit comments to ABCA General Counsel Martha Jenkins no later than 30 days after the publication of the proposed rules in the D.C. Register via email to martha.jenkins@dc.gov or mailed to: Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, 2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400 South, Washington, DC 20009.
Include your full name, title, and organization, if applicable, in the correspondence.
 Extended Holiday Hours
DC Emancipation Day Weekend will include extended alcohol service hours at select venues.
From the evening of Friday, April 14 until 4:00 a.m. on Monday, April 17, registered venues may sell and serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and stay open 24 hours.
A roster of venues eligible to participate is available on ABCA’s website.
Venues interested in participating in the Extended Holiday Hours Program must register at least 30 days before the first eligible holiday period they want to participate in.
Upcoming registration deadlines:
- Friday, April 28—Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29)
- Friday, May 19—Juneteenth Weekend (Saturday, June 17 - Monday, June 19)
- Friday, June 2—Independence Day Weekend (Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, July 4)
 Upcoming Deadlines
Annual License Payment Deadline | March 31
Annual license payments were due Friday, March 31 for:
- Class A (retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, internet)
- Class C and D (restaurants (not taverns), hotels, clubs, multipurpose facilities, marine vessels, common carriers, arenas)
- Caterers
Daily late fees began accruing on Monday, April 3. Cease and Desist Orders will be issued on Wednesday, April 26 followed by license cancellations on May 10.
Hotel and Restaurant Quarterly Reports | May 1
Alcohol licensed hotels and restaurants are required to submit a financial report covering all sales and expense activity during the reporting period of January 1 – March 31, 2023.
Reports must be submitted quarterly regardless of whether sales or expenses total zero. Failure to do so may result in fines license suspension or revocation or affect renewal eligibility.
Brew Pub Compliance Report| May 1
Brew Pubs are required to submit quarterly compliance reports detailing activity that occurred during the preceding reporting period.
- Reports must be submitted quarterly regardless of whether any amounts total zero. Failure to do so may result in fines license suspension or revocation or affect renewal eligibility.
- Compliance questions should be directed to compliance@dc.gov.
 Upcoming Training and Info Sessions
ABCA hosts training and information sessions on an ongoing basis. All sessions are offered virtually and are free with advanced registration. Upcoming sessions include:
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ID Compliance Monday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. A focus on preventing underage drinking by reducing youth access to alcohol through retailer education.
All training and information sessions are virtual and are free with advanced registration. View ABCA's training schedule and available recordings.
 ABCA Office Closures and ABC Board Recess
ABCA’s office will be closed for the following holidays:
- Monday, April 17 | DC Emancipation Day (Observed)
- Monday, May 29 | Memorial Day
ABCA will reopen at 8:30 a.m. the day immediately following each holiday.
The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board) will be in recess on Wednesday, April 19 and Wednesday, May 31. View the ABC Board and ABCA office schedule.
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