June 2025
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
Summer is in full swing at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), and we are dedicated to serving the District’s diverse and vibrant community. In June, we proudly recognized Pride Month and welcomed WorldPride 2025 to DC, a global celebration honoring the resilience, diversity, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community both locally and worldwide.
DLCP has been hard at work, actively participating in community events and supporting local businesses. This month, we spotlight Mary’s House for Older Adults, the first dedicated LGBTQ+ affirming communal living space for seniors in the District. To read more about it, visit our DLCP Hub.
Additionally, I testified before the Council of the District of Columbia on key budget priorities that directly support our work, including the Mayor’s Grow DC Plan. You can read more about the hearing and DLCP’s budget highlights below. Also, please look for a DLCP Special Edition newsletter dedicated to the budget. That newsletter will come out on July 1, right before the Council completes their markup of the Mayor’s budget.
With summer festivals, new restaurant openings, and peak season for visitors well underway, DLCP remains committed to supporting businesses and protecting consumers.
So much is happening across the District this summer. We encourage everyone to enjoy the season and stay cool.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
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On Monday, June 16, the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology held its Annual Practitioners Forum at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. This year’s theme, “Beauty Without Borders: A New Era of Collaboration,” highlighted innovation, partnership, and continued professional growth within the barbering and cosmetology industries. |
The forum provided licensed practitioners the opportunity to earn six Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, a vital requirement for license renewal. The event brought together professionals, educators, and regulators to share updates, best practices, and industry insights. |
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A workshop titled “Moving Licensure Forward in Washington, DC” was led by Kimberly Troxler, Board Administrator with DLCP. Her presentation focused on licensure updates, digital tools, and the future of professional regulation in the District. |
Events like the Practitioners Forum are essential in advancing the field of barbering and cosmetology not just as trades, but as thriving professions rooted in education, health, and public service.
On Monday, June 9, Director Crowe testified before the Committee on Public Works and Operations regarding Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2026 Grow DC Budget. Director Crowe addressed DLCP’s proposed budget and the agency’s goals for the remainder of FY 2025 and plans for FY 2026, including implementing the BEST Act to streamline business licensing and updating occupational and professional licensure requirements. Some of the highlights from Mayor Bowser’s budget for DLCP that Director Crowe touched upon in her testimony include:
- An enhancement for DLCP to hire four staff in the Enforcement Division to enforce vending when it’s at its busiest
- Equipping DLCP with the authority to waive fines and penalties for business licenses and corporate filings, often a barrier for small businesses
- Creating two new vending licenses, a sidewalk vending license and a mobile vending license, to provide vendors with more vending opportunities and spread vendors throughout the District
- Equipping DLCP with grant making authority to issue grants to vendors for equipment such as vending carts and tables to help vendors reduce startup costs
Click the link below to watch the budget hearing.
Earlier this month, Director Crowe spoke with media outlets about the National Mall Vending Blitz conducted by our DLCP Enforcement team in partnership with multiple agencies.
This coordinated effort resulted in:
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32 food trucks towed
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5 junk vehicles removed
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46 combined citations issued by the U.S. Park Police, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DC Fire and EMS (FEMS), and the Department of Public Works (DPW)
DLCP is proud to have played a key role in this multi-agency operation and remains committed to helping keep the District safe, clean, and in compliance.
Both DC News Now and WUSA9 covered this important effort.
Watch the coverage below:
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On Thursday, June 5, the BRC participated in a outreach event at Capital One Arena designed to support and empower local, small, and diverse businesses. The event served as a platform for business owners to explore upcoming project opportunities and strengthen their networks. Attendees had the chance to connect directly with leaders from Clark Construction, gaining insight into future projects and learning about the company’s prequalification process. |
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The event brought together key stakeholders including the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), local surety firms, and a range of procurement professionals. Matchmaking sessions offered attendees personalized guidance and resources to help position their businesses for success in upcoming contracting opportunities.
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The BRC continues its mission to support small businesses across the District, providing access to information, building partnerships, and helping local enterprises thrive.
On Tuesday, June 3, Director Crowe attended Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Citywide ANC and Civic Association Presidents Meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: Grow DC.
Director Crowe was happy to be part of the discussion alongside community leaders and Administration officials. The event provided an overview of the Mayor’s proposed FY26 budget and highlighted investments aimed at generating economic growth, supporting city services, and creating opportunities across all eight wards.
Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws
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B26-0064, the "Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Amendment Act of 2025" – Introduced by Councilmember Christina Henderson, this bill would allow certain retail establishments to be exempt from the District’s cashless retail prohibition by refusing to accept cash as a form of payment. The exemptions would apply to establishments with Class C and D alcohol licenses, including restaurants, nightclubs, and taverns, as well as restaurants that are open 24 hours a day or until 3 a.m. at least two days a week.
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Director Crowe provided testimony on DLCP’s enforcement of the current cashless retail prohibition and discussed how DLCP would implement B26-64 if enacted. She also offered several recommendations and considerations to the Committee regarding the proposed legislation.
Use the link below to watch a recording of the hearing:
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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