Last Call Newsletter: January/February 2025

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT 

ABCA's Last Call Newsletter

January/February 2025

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License Renewal and Annual Payment | March 31

The alcohol license renewal period will soon be underway for class C and D retailers (excluding Taverns and Nightclubs) and Caterers. In addition, annual payment will be due for all Class A license holders. The renewal and annual payment deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025. 

Starting this year, renewal and annual payment packets will be emailed to the email address on file with ABCA. Emails for this renewal and payment cycle will distribute in mid-February. No packets will be sent by postal mail. Payments can be made online by following the instructions included in the renewal and invoice notice.

If your email address has changed, you must return a completed Contact Information Form by January 30 to ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov.  


Old-timey clock basked in sunlight.

Extended Holiday and Special Event Hours 

Eligible On-Premises Retailer, Manufacturer with an On-Site Sales and Consumption Permit and Temporary License holders may register to participate in the Extended Hours Program for a number of upcoming holidays and special events. 

Approved participants can sell, serve, and permit the consumption of alcohol between 6:00 a.m.- 4:00 a.m. and operate 24 hours daily. Settlement Agreements and Board Orders may restrict eligibility.   

Inauguration Week 

Registration is now closed to offer extended alcohol service during the 60th Presidential Inauguration WeekEstablishments listed on the Inauguration Week Roster can sell and serve alcoholic drinks until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24 hours a day starting the evening of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and ending at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21.

The list of participants will be available on the District’s Inauguration Permits and Licenses webpage. 

Registration in ABCA’s Extended Holiday Hours Program and previous special event application approvals do not extend to Inauguration Week. Settlement Agreements and Board Orders apply and may affect eligibility.   

For more information, contact ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov


Upcoming Holidays 

Approved businesses may sell and serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24-hours a day in conjunction with District Government and federal holidays.  

Licensees must submit an Extended Holiday Hours Registration Form at least 30-days before the first holiday for which they would like to extend hours. Registration is free and forms are accepted on an ongoing basis. Once registered, licensees pay participate in upcoming holidays listed on the 2025 Extended Holiday Hours Schedule 

The next eligible holiday and registration deadline is:  

  • DC Emancipation Day (April 16) | Deadline: Monday, March 17 
    Extended hours start the evening of Tuesday, April 15 and end at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16. Extended hours will resume on Friday, April 18, and end at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 20. 

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Upcoming Compliance Deadlines 

Select licensees are required to submit regular product sales and/or production reports. Compliance filings must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on their respective due dates indicated below. 

Annual Report 

  • Wednesday, January 15 | Wine Pub license holders 
  • Monday, March 3 | Full-Service Grocery Store (Class B), 25 Percent Grocery Store (Class A), 25 Percent Retailer (Class B) license holders 

Semiannual Report 

  • Thursday, January 30 | Caterer and Third-Party Alcohol Delivery license holders 

Quarterly Statement 

  • Thursday, January 30 | Brew Pub, Hotel and Restaurant license holders 

Colorful Rowhouses

Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone Update 

The ABC Board voted to extend the Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone (AMMZ), approving a seventh emergency rulemaking. 

The rulemaking: 

  1. Increases the cap on the number of permitted Retailer Class CT or DT (tavern) licenses to sixteen (16).
  2. Maintains the moratorium on Retailer Class CN or DN (nightclub) licenses.
  3. Renews the moratorium for three (3) years. 

 The emergency rules expire on April 10, 2025. The full rulemaking is available on ABCA’s website.


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Office Closures, Board Recess 

ABCA's office will be closed on the below dates and will open at 8:30 a.m. on the next business day:    

  • Inauguration Day | Monday, January 20, 2025 
  • Washington's Birthday | Monday, February 17, 2025 

 ABC Board Recess 

The ABC Board will be in recess on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and Wednesday, February 19, 2025.   


Computer Monitor with ABCA background

ABCA offers training and information sessions throughout the year. Offerings are virtual and free with advanced registration.    

ID Compliance | Monday, February 24 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. |   REGISTER  

This course focuses on the prevention of underage drinking by reducing youth access to alcohol through retailer education. Participants will learn how to identify acceptable and counterfeit photo identification, confiscation protocol, and the Sale to Minor program.  
Funded by US DOT/NHTSA and DC HSO.   

ABC 101 | Tuesday, February 25 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | REGISTER  

This course introduces new and prospective licensees to key alcohol operator basics such as local laws, enforcement, and best practices.    


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