With warming temperatures, patrons will increasingly be seeking outdoor dining and drinking options. Before setting up tables and chairs outside or booking a band for a deck or rooftop, check your license to ensure you have the proper required endorsement.

Offering programming or services without the proper endorsement may result in fines and/or license suspension or revocation.

Available endorsements include:

• Sidewalk Café | Allows alcohol to be served in outdoor public space such as the sidewalk outside a business. 
• Summer Garden | Allows alcohol to be served in outdoor private space such as a courtyard or rooftop.
• 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 an existing alcohol license.
• Entertainment | Allows venues to offer live entertainment such as a DJ, singer, band, or trivia.

To request an endorsement, submit a new Alcohol License Application with the requested endorsement(s) selected. All applications are subject to a 45-day public comment period and approval by the ABC Board. Board Orders and Settlement Agreements may affect eligibility.

The renewal and annual payment deadline of 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024, applies to the following:

• Annual License Renewal | Internet Retailer (Class AI) and Manufacturer, Off Premises Retailer, and Wholesaler (all Class A)
• Third Year Annual Payment | Caterer and all Class C and D license types with outstanding balances excluding Tavern and Nightclub licenses.
• Streatery Endorsement Renewal | All On-Premises Retailer license types excluding Tavern, Nightclub, and Brewery licenses.

Licensees who fail to renew or submit payment will be subject to a late fee of $50 per business day, not to exceed the annual license fee, starting on Tuesday, April 2. Cease and Desist and License Cancellation Orders will be issued on Wednesday, April 24, and Wednesday, May 8, respectively.

Direct renewal and licensing questions to ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov. 

North Shaw Moratorium Zone Proposed Rulemaking and Public Hearing

On February 29, 2024, the ABC Board held a second hearing on the proposed North Shaw Moratorium Zone to receive comment from the public. Submitted written comments and provided testimony are currently under review by the ABC Board. The proposed rules would prohibit the following in the moratorium zone for three years:

• New Retailer Class CN/DN, CX/DX license types
• New Entertainment Endorsements for new or existing Restaurants and Taverns
• Transfers of licensed Nightclub, Multipurpose Facility, or Restaurant or Tavern businesses with an Entertainment Endorsement from outside of the proposed moratorium zone to a location inside of the moratorium area

A video recording and transcript from the public hearing are available.

Civil Penalty Schedule

On January 24, 2024, the ABC Board adopted the ABCA Civil Penalty Schedule Notice of Final Rulemaking. 

These final rules update the schedule by:

1. Incorporating new infractions and penalties
2. Repealing obsolete infractions
3. Amending the descriptions of existing infractions

The complete schedule is available on ABCA's website.

ABCA regularly offers training and information sessions for license holders and community groups. All training and information sessions are virtual and are free with advance registration.

ABC 101
April 2  |  10:00 a.m.  
REGISTER

ABC 101 introduces new and prospective licensees to key alcohol operator basics including:

• DC alcohol laws and regulations 
• Public comment periods 
• Sound management
• Inspections and enforcement 
• Settlement Agreements
• Best practices 

Increasing Awareness of Opioid Overdose Risk & Treatment Resources

On February 26, ABCA in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health, Mayor's Office of Nightlife and Culture and Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs hosted an information session to highlight how nightlife industry business owners and staff can help reduce deaths due to opiate-related overdoses.

The info session covered:

• Understanding the local opioid crisis
• Medication that can help reverse opioid overdoses
• Increasing awareness of the risk of opioid overdoses, being prepared to save a life
• Protections afforded by Good Samaritan laws
• Misconceptions about opioid use disorders and enforcement
• Available training and resources
• Local mental health and substance use treatment options

The video recording and presentation slides are available on ABCA's website.

View ABCA's complete training schedule and available recordings. 

Complaints about licensed and unlicensed alcohol and cannabis businesses can be made 24/7 by: 

• Online Form (Recommended)
• Be prepared to enter the business street address into the form. If the street address is not initially recognized, click the “clear” button to clear any potential cache.
• Upon submission, a complaint tracking number will appear on screen. Please write this number down for any requested follow up.
• Phone by calling ABCA’s Main Line at (202) 442-4423.

Noise is the most reported complaint type. To better understand noise ordinances and ABCA’s enforcement authority, visit ABCA’s website.

Direct any questions to ABCA.Enforcement@dc.gov.

Upcoming Holiday Office Closure (DC Emancipation Day)

ABCA's office will be closed Tuesday, April 16 in observance of DC Emancipation Day. and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17.  

 ABC Board Recess

The ABC Board will be in recess Wednesday, April 17, and will reconvene on Wednesday, April 24.  

View the 2024 ABCA Office Calendar and ABC Board schedule. 

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