Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026. To compensate for the "lost hour," licensees who normally end alcohol service at 3:00 a.m. are automatically permitted to remain open until 4:00 a.m.
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No Action Required: You are automatically eligible for this additional hour.
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Compliance: Existing Settlement Agreements or Board Orders still apply and may restrict eligibility.
Get Outside Endorsements Ready
With spring almost here, your patrons may be looking to trade indoor booths for seating located in the warmer weather outdoors. Before you open those outdoor spaces, make sure you have the necessary alcohol license endorsements to avoid unwanted fines.
Outdoor service options include:
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Summer Garden: For alcohol service on your private outdoor property, like a rooftop or courtyard.
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Sidewalk Café: For service in public sidewalk spaces directly in front of your business.
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Streatery: For service in new or expanded outdoor public spaces except for sidewalks such as in parking lanes or alleys.
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Entertainment Endorsement: Required to host musicians, DJs, or other live entertainment types on-premises.
To update your status, submit an application to the ABC Board. All new endorsements are subject to a public comment period. Direct licensing questions to ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov.
Filing and Payment Deadlines
Mark your calendars for these essential compliance dates:
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Tuesday, March 3: Annual Statements due for Class A/B Grocery Stores and 25% Class B Retailers (Reporting period: Calendar Year 2025). Late filings are still being accepted.
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Tuesday, March 31 (by 4:00 p.m.): Annual License Fees due for Caterers, Class A, and On-Premises Retailers (excluding Taverns and Nightclubs). Payment can be made online, in-person or via mail to 899 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 4200-B, Washington, DC 20002. Late fees may apply to payment mailed to the incorrect address.
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Thursday, April 30: Quarterly Statements due for Hotels, Restaurants, and Brew Pubs (Reporting period: Jan 1–Mar 30, 2026).
Direct fee inquiries to ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov and statement inquiries to ABCA.Compliance@dc.gov.
Extended Holiday Hours
Eligible licensees enrolled in the Extended Holiday Hours Program are approved to sell and serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24 hours a day during the following upcoming holiday periods:
- DC Emancipation Day & Weekend
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Wednesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 16: Starts the evening of Wednesday and ends at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday.
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Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19: Resumes the evening of Friday and ends at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday.
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Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Memorial Day Weekend
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Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25: Starts the evening of Friday and ends at 4:00 a.m. on Monday.
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Registration Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026
Important Details:
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Cost: Registration is free.
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Enrollment: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Once a licensee is enrolled, their registration remains valid for the duration of the license period.
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Learn More: Full program details and registration forms are available on the ABCA website.
The full 2026 schedule is available on ABCA's website.
ABC Board Recess & Office Closures
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Board Recess: Wednesday, April 15, and Wednesday, May 27
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Office Closures: Thursday, April 16 (DC Emancipation Day) and Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
ABCA investigators will remain on duty to respond to complaints during closures. We encourage online complaint submission at abca.dc.gov. The full 2026 Board and Office Calendar is available online.
Moratorium Zone Update:
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Glover Park: On January 28, 2026, the Board voted on proposed rules that would extend this moratorium for three years and increase the cap on tavern licenses from zero to one. Public comments on the proposed rules should be submitted to abca.legal@dc.gov.
Read the rulemaking | View the public hearing recording
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North Shaw (Westminster) Moratorium Zone: Renewed for three years, expiring in 2029 and prohibits new nightclub, taverns, or multipurpose facilities.
Read the final rulemaking
Free Training & Info Sessions
Advance registration is required for these virtual sessions:
ID Compliance Training
Monday, May 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Learn to identify acceptable IDs, spot fakes, and navigate underage compliance checks. Funding provided by DOT/NHTSA and DC HSO.
REGISTER
Alcohol Licensing 101
Monday, May 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
A comprehensive overview of the application process, regulatory requirements, and how to maintain your license in good standing.
REGISTER
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