September 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone, and we are now entering the fall season! At the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), we remain committed to creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and access essential resources. Last month, we extended our Business Licensing Center hours to better support those needs.
This month, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the accomplishments of those leading the way for future generations. At DLCP, we proudly recognize the District's businesses that continue to make a positive impact. You can read more about them below.
As we enter the new fiscal year, we are dedicated to continuous improvement and look forward to serving our customers. Stay tuned for more exciting updates coming your way.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
October marks the start of Architecture Month, a citywide celebration of the spaces and buildings that shape our communities, the brilliant minds who bring them to life, and the compelling stories behind their designs. Throughout the month, residents and visitors can take part in various events, including tours, lectures, and exhibitions across the city that highlight DC's rich architectural heritage.
DLCP plays a vital role in supporting this celebration through its regulation of architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture practices. The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture guarantees that licensed professionals meet the necessary standards, protecting consumers and upholding the District’s regulations in these fields.
The District Architecture Center (DAC) will host a variety of events throughout October. One of the key highlights is the Annual Awards and Fall Exhibitions Opening Celebration. Click here for more details on this event. For information on future events throughout the month, click here.
DLCP has issued important updates regarding the renewal process for Occupational and Professional Licenses (OPL). We strongly encourage you to take action! Please prioritize the following renewals by their deadlines:
- Interior Design (October 31)
- Private Detective (October 31)
You should receive renewal notification 30 days from the day your license becomes eligible for renewal and a final notice seven (7) days before its expiration. Log into Access DC to renew today!
Please continue to monitor your inbox for updates specific to your account.
National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous contributions of the Hispanic community. To celebrate, DLCP is highlighting DC business owners who are part of this diverse culture and have made significant impacts in the District. Throughout October, DLCP will continue to feature more businesses as part of this month-long tribute.
The Montero family-Owner of Taqueria Habanero
Husband-and-wife founders Dionicio Montero and Mirna Montero-Alvarado, who emigrated from Puebla, Mexico, and El Salvador, established Taqueria Habanero, which now celebrates its 10th anniversary. Their eldest daughter, Yicela Alvarado, serves as the Director of Operations, leading the family-run business that has become known for its Mexican cuisine.
With locations in Petworth and a food hall on Rhode Island Avenue, Taqueria Habanero has become known for its tacos and signature dishes, including mole—a dark chocolate spice sauce with a subtle sweetness and spiciness—and their delicious enchiladas. The restaurant's popularity was further highlighted when President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made an unforgettable visit, showcasing its impact on the community.
Yicela credits their success to humility, generosity, and strong community support. She takes pride in building a family legacy and is encouraged by the growing recognition of Hispanic culture in the metropolitan area. Recently, Taqueria Habanero announced plans to expand with a new location in downtown College Park, Maryland, set to open by November 1.
Their accomplishments include a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, which recognizes friendly establishments serving good food at reasonable prices. These achievements reflect the loyalty of their customers and the dedication of the entire family.
Learn more about Taqueria Habanero at taqueriahabanero.com.
Twin brothers Aris, left, and Raymond Compres-Owner of Los Hermanos
Los Hermanos, which means "the brothers" in Spanish, began in 1995 as a small, family-owned bodega—a cozy convenience store selling Latin American staples such as plantains and yucca. Located at 1428 Park Road Northwest, Washington, D.C., the business eventually evolved into a beloved Dominican restaurant known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
Twin brothers Aris and Raymond Compres, the owners of Los Hermanos, transformed the bodega into a full-service restaurant, which is now nearing its 30th anniversary. The restaurant is best known for its signature dish, "la bandera" which features rice, beans, a choice of stewed chicken or beef, a side salad, and sweet plantains—a classic representation of Dominican cuisine.
The success of Los Hermanos led the brothers to expand with the opening of Mencho’s Dominican Kitchen at 2450 Market Street Northeast, solidifying their influence in the local dining scene. Aris explains that the goal is to make every guest feel as if they're walking into their grandmother’s house, surrounded by the comforting smells of home-cooked food.
Los Hermanos has catered high-profile events, including a meal for the President of the Dominican Republic at the ambassador’s residence and catering at the White House for Dominican Day. They’ve also provided food for various national teams, creating memorable moments that highlight their dedication to both their craft and their heritage.
To learn more about Los Hermanos, visit their Facebook page.
Karissa Ruano-Owner of Flor Del Soul
Flor Del Soul, owned by Karissa Ruano, has been serving the District for over five years. Located inside La Cosecha, a marketplace in the Union Market District on 5th Street Northeast, the business began as a creative outlet while Karissa worked as a federal contractor. Over time, it has evolved into a thriving, community-centered floral venture.
Sourcing flowers from a local Latina farmer, Karissa creates a weekly menu of seasonal blooms, with popular offerings like marigolds, celosia, and eucalyptus. Flor Del Soul has always been about more than just flowers. Karissa’s vision was to use her passion for floral design to build connections in the community. A supportive friend encouraged her to take this creative endeavor seriously, transforming it into a business that now offers a wide range of floral services and experiences.
Flor Del Soul offers high-quality, locally grown flowers at farm prices and hosts accessible workshops, parties, and floral experiences. From hands-on arrangement classes to private events, Karissa ensures there's something for every budget, making floral beauty available to all.
Karissa takes pride in celebrating her Hispanic heritage through her floral designs. This cultural expression resonates with the community, and Flor Del Soul often attracts high-profile visitors, including chefs and tour groups, who appreciate the quality and local roots of the business.
To learn more about Flor Del Soul, visit: flordelsoul.co
Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws in September and October
The Council of the District of Columbia returned from its summer recess on September 16. The Committee of the Whole met on September 17. One item on the agenda was a markup of B25-737, the General Contractor Licensing Amendment Act of 2024. Bill 25-737 would create a new Board of Construction Managers and Residential General Contractors and establish eligibility criteria for the licensure of construction managers and residential and commercial contractors.
On September 16, the Council introduced B25-947, the Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Amendment Act of 2024. Bill 25-947 would establish exemptions to the Cashless Retailers Prohibition Act, which prohibits retail establishments from discriminating against cash as a form of payment. Namely, it would exempt establishments that serve spirits, beer, and wine from being required to accept cash.
On September 23, the Council introduced B25-959, the Theatrical Wrestling Regulation Amendment Act of 2024. Bill 25-959 would establish exemptions to the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Act of 1975 for theatrical wrestling events to ease their regulatory burden, address wrestling regulation reform in advance of World Pride, and align the District with other jurisdictions.
There are several items in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget that will impact businesses in the District, beginning October 1. These include:
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changing businesses’ Clean Hands requirements to increase the minimum amount of District taxes, fines, penalties, or interest that a business may owe to have clean hands and receive a license or a permit (other than a driver license or an id card) from more than $100 to more than $1,000, with the exception of Department of Motor Vehicle-related parking fines that will continue to have a minimum debt limit of $100.
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making the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Amendment (BEST) Act effective as of October 1, funding the costs for DLCP to streamline the business licensing categories and to reduce the business license fees to allow DLCP to implement both in October 2025.
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creating grant programs for businesses, including the Chinatown Long-Term Lease Grant Program, which the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development will establish for eligible businesses or commercial property owners in the Chinatown area.
Lastly, the Council will hold two DLCP-related hearings in October. On October 9, the Council will hold a hearing on B25-122, the Fur Products Prohibition Act of 2023, which would prohibit the sale of fur products in the District.
On October 17, the Council will hold a hearing on B25-930, the Consumer Health Information Privacy Protection Act (CHIPPA) of 2024. B25-930 would establish consumer protections for personal health data such as data uploaded to online platforms like company websites, search engines, apps, and health devices and make violations of the Act an unfair and deceptive trade practice under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act.
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On September 18, the Board of Accountancy hosted a successful CPA Exam information session in partnership with the George Washington University Business School. This event attracted a large number of accounting graduate students, as well as undergraduate students in their junior and senior years. |
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals during an alumni panel, where they gained vital information into the CPA exam process and career paths in accounting. The students were engaged with both the presenters and the board members, asking questions and expressing their gratitude for the information shared. |
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The outreach event served as an excellent platform for students to interact with board staff from both DC and Virginia, fostering a supportive environment for those preparing for the CPA exam.
Thousands of attendees come together to celebrate this year’s 19th annual H Street Festival
DLCP continues its community outreach efforts, to support businesses and consumers across the District. This month was no exception, as team members participated in several events celebrating the start of the Fall season!
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On Saturday, September 21, thousands gathered in Northeast DC for the H Street Festival, an annual celebration of the vibrant culture along the H Street Corridor. Now in its 19th year, the festival has grown from a neighborhood block party into a major citywide event, drawing over 150,000 attendees. DLCP was a proud sponsor of the 2024 H Street Festival, actively supporting the local community. |
Art All Night, DC's arts festival, lit up the city on September 27 and 28. Taking place across all eight wards, the festival featured a wide range of artistic expressions including painting, music, and theatre, turning local businesses and outdoor spaces into art hubs. |
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Fiesta DC, the Nation's Largest Latino Festival, took place on September 28 and 29 along Pennsylvania Avenue in Northwest DC. This event was a celebration for all ages, offering engaging activities and promoting cultural exchange. |
DLCP's Special Events Team collaborates across multiple agencies. Program Support Specialist Shaniyah Proctor and Keisha Mims, Director of Outreach and Engagement, work closely with organizers to provide licensing support and facilitate smooth operations for these events. DLCP looks forward to continued engagement in future community events.
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On Thursday, September 12, DLCP held its 4th annual drive-through Pop-Up Inspection event at RFK Memorial Stadium's Lot 8 in Southeast DC. Designed specifically for farmers market merchants and food truck vendors, this two-part event provided a convenient way to ensure compliance. |
Understanding that farmers are often busiest on weekends, DLCP created this opportunity for them to stop by during the week to register their scales and receive a free inspection. The event offered both inspections and re-inspections for commercial weighing, measuring, and scanning devices. |
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Food truck vending inspections were available in partnership with DC Health and DC Fire & EMS. Inspectors worked together to ensure that food trucks met all necessary compliance requirements, supporting safe and successful business operations in the District. |
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
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