Changes to Streatery Endorsements

December 19, 2025

 

On December 19, 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed emergency legislation establishing a permanent licensing process for businesses operating streateries. This new law allows businesses with an existing Streatery Endorsement to continue operations past the current deadline. 

Businesses with Streatery endorsements are required to do one of the following by  4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025: 

• To continue operating a streatery with alcohol service: Submit a Streatery Endorsement Application.
• To transition to a Sidewalk Cafe or Summer Garden: Submit a Summer Garden/Sidewalk Café Endorsement Application. 
• To cancel their endorsement: Email a signed letter to ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov requesting its removal. 

Important Information

Submitting a timely application allows businesses to continue selling and serving alcohol at their current outdoor location after Wednesday, December 31, 2025, until the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Board makes a final decision. All applications for a Streatery, Sidewalk Café, or Summer Garden Endorsement require a mandatory 45-day public comment period. 

Failure to Comply

For businesses that do not take the required action by the deadline: 

• The ABC Board will issue a Cease and Desist Order on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. 
• An Endorsement Cancellation Order will follow on February 11, 2026. 
• They may be subject to fines.

Contact Information

• Streatery design guidelines: DDOT sets and enforces these rules. Direct all guideline questions to DDOT at (202) 673-6813 or streateries@dc.gov.

• Licensing and endorsement questions: Contact ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov.