ABRA Last Call Newsletter - September/October Edition

Last Call

Learn to Spot A Fake ID

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) will host a special training from Sept. 12-14 to teach licensees and their staff how to spot fake IDs. Nationally recognized expert Sergeant Christopher Bartolotta will lead the training and provide the latest techniques for properly verifying IDs, tips for recognizing fake IDs, and information on ABRA compliance checks.

Training sessions will be held:

  • 9-11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12
  • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12
  • 3-5 p.m., Friday, Sept.12
  • 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13
  • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13
  • 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13
  • 9-11 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14 (Korean interpreter available)
  • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14 (Spanish interpreter available)
  • 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14

RSVP for training by contacting ABRA Operations Manager Jackie Richardson at:

Training Location

2000 14th St., NW
Suite 400 South, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20009


Books and Records Training for Hotels and Restaurants

Hotel and restaurant licensees are invited to attend Books and Records Training at the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) on Thursday, Sept. 25. Training will cover:

  • Food sales requirements,
  • Food sales reporting,
  • Quarterly statement filings, and
  • Books and records tracking.

Training sessions are scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 25 at:

  • 9–11 a.m. (Spanish interpreter available)
  • 2-4 p.m. (Korean interpreter available)

RSVP by Friday, Sept. 19 by contacting ABRA Compliance Analyst Monica Clark:

Training is free of charge.

Training Location

2000 14th Street, NW
Suite 400 South, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20009


ABC Board Expands Coverage of Nightlife Safety Program

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) is expanding coverage of a nightlife safety program through the end of this year. 

Effective Sept. 1, the Reimbursable Detail Subsidy Program, which enhances safety in the District by funding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to police areas outside of on-premise establishments, will cover reimbursements every night of the week as well as outdoor special events where alcohol is to be sold and served. Special events will require Board approval and must be licensed by a temporary or one day substantial change license.

Restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, hotels and multipurpose facilities will be eligible for reimbursement from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night of the week. Coverage for outdoor special events will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The latest revisions to the emergency rules, which modify subsection 718.2 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations Title 23, were adopted by the Board following a hearing where public comment was received on the issue. 

Licensees should contact the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in order to sign up for the program or to make any changes to a current schedule: 

Complete details of the Board’s rulemaking are available on ABRA’s website


Beer and Wine Stores Due to Renew Licenses

District beer and wine stores (class B retailers) are due to renew their alcoholic beverage licenses by Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014.

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) mailed renewal notices to class B retailers in August. Licensees should return completed renewal packets in person to ABRA, which is located at 2000 14th St., NW, Suite 400 South, 4th Floor.

Before renewing, licensees should ensure they are in good corporate standing with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and that all outstanding taxes and fines are paid. 

Payment for licenses can be made for the next three years or for one year only; however, payment is due at the time of renewal. A late fee of $50 per day will be assessed for any late payments, which may not exceed the cost of the license. 


Annual Payments Due for Taverns and Nightclubs

Taverns and nightclubs that pay for alcoholic beverage licenses on an annual basis are due to make second-year payments by Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration mailed payment notices to effected licensees in August. A late fee of $50 per day will be assessed for any late payments, which may not exceed the cost of the license. 


Columbus Day Extended Holiday Hours

There are still five dates left on this year’s calendar to participate in extended holiday hours.

Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 13 will be the next time ABC-licensed restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, hotels and multipurpose facilitiesregistered to participatecan sell and serve alcohol until 4 a.m. and operate 24 hours a day. The deadline to sign up in time for Columbus Day is Monday, Sept. 15.

Licensees can obtain the form and learn complete details about the program online.


Autumn Daylight Saving Time

Autumn daylight saving time is just around the corner. On Sunday, Nov. 2, clocks will fall back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. As a result, alcoholic beverage licensed establishments will automatically gain an extra hour to sell and serve alcoholic beverages. Establishments will be required to stop all sales and service of alcoholic beverages by 3 a.m. unless the establishment's license states otherwise.