Karen Jackson, Licensing Specialist at the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration's presentation on the Liquor License Application Process

1. ABRA
The Liquor License Application Process
Karen Jackson , Licensing Specialist
Licensing Division
December 12, 2012

2. Introduction
Who We Are
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) issues and renews
licenses that enable qualified businesses to sell and serve alcoholic beverages.
ABRA monitors compliance with ABC laws and takes appropriate enforcement
action when licensees violate these laws. ABRA proposes new laws regulating the
manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the District. ABRA
also offers education programs that help ABC establishments prevent underage
individuals from purchasing and consuming alcohol.
ABRA operates under the authority of a seven-member Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC) Board that sets policy parameters for the Agency. Members of the
ABC Board are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the DC Council.
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

3. ABRA Divisions
I. Licensing
• Responsible for the review and processing of all ABC License
applications
• Ensures all applications meet standards for licensure and
recommends applications to Board for approval
II. Enforcement
• Ensures licensees remain in compliance with Title 23 of the DCMR &
Title 25 of the DC Official Code
• Conducts regulatory inspections of licensed establishments
• Issues citations for licensees found to be non-compliant
III. Adjudication
• Acts in support of ABC Board to carry out Board-imposed orders,
actions, fines and penalties and also assists licensees in coming into
compliance.
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

4. Off-Premise License Classes
Class A Licenses
– Retail: Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores
– Wholesaler: Authorized to sell beer, wine & spirits to other licensed retailers
for resale to consumers.
– Manufacturer: Authorized to produce, distill and combine spirits, wine or
beer to resell to other licensees.
Class B Licenses
– Retail: Beer & Wine Stores
– Wholesaler: Authorized to sell beer & wine to other licensed retailers for
resale to consumers.
– Manufacturer: Authorized to produce, distill and combine wine or beer to
resell to other licensees.
– Moratorium on Retail Class B Licenses except for Full-Service Grocery Stores
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

5. On-Premise License Classes
Class C Licenses – Beer, Wine & Spirits
– CH – Hotels (Food Requirements)
– CN – Nightclubs and Lounges
– CR – Restaurants with food requirement of 45% or $2k per seat based on occupancy
– CT – Tavern
– CX – Multipurpose, Private Clubs, Rail Cars, Marine Vessels
Class D Licenses – Beer & Wine
– DH – Hotels (Food Requirements)
– DN – Nightclubs and Lounges
– DR – Restaurants with food requirement of 45% or $2k per seat based on occupancy
– DT – Tavern
– DX – Multipurpose, Private Clubs, Rail Cars, Marine Vessels
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

6. Before The Application
Applicants – Do Your Homework
• Zoning – Make sure the chosen location is zoned for appropriate
license
• Measurements – All new license applications must be within
appropriate distances of churches, schools and recreation centers
• DCRA Corporations Division - If applying as an entity (Corp., LLC, LP),
it must be registered with DCRA Corporations Division
• If new construction, make sure appropriate permits have been issued
or applied for. A liquor license can be approved prior to construction
but not issued until all business licenses are provided
• All applicants must be tax compliant and have no felony convictions
within 10 years or misdemeanor convictions within 5 years
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

7. The Application Process
Three Phases
I. Application Acceptance – Licensing Specialist accepts the
application, assesses the appropriate licensing fees, advertises
the application in the DC Register and prepares placards for
posting at the establishment’s location
II. Application Approval – After the 45-day notice period,
applications that have not been protested go to the Board for
approval
III. License Issuance – Licensing Specialist makes sure all
documentation is complete, all appropriate business licenses and
certificates are provided by the applicant and all entities and
individuals are tax compliant before the license is issued
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

8. The Application Process
I. New Application Acceptance
• Application Package is Complete
• All documents supporting the entity and individuals accompany
the application package
• Letter of Intent to Lease or Lease Agreement is submitted
• Zoning Certification, Certificate of Good Standing
• Financial Affidavit
Transfer Application Acceptance
• No Substantial Change Form
• Transfer Consent Form
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

9. The Placard Process
For New Applications
• 45-Day Notification Period
• Placards must be posted and remain visible through the posting
and petition dates. Failure to post can result in new placards
with new dates extending the placard period
• Applicant can request stipulated license with letter of support
from ANC while placards are posted
• Applicant must cease sale and service of alcohol if application is
protested and protest is determined valid while applicant is
operating on the stipulated license
• Only on-premise licenses are eligible for stipulated license
• Contested licenses must be resolved through Adjudicative
process before license application can be approved
• No placards for Transfer applications with no changes to the
nature of operations
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

10. The Application Process
II. New Application Approval
• Landlord Affidavit
• Menu (if applicable)
• Exterior pictures and interior diagram of layout
• Police Clearances from all individuals (DC and jurisdiction in
which applicant resides if outside of DC)
• Diagrams or photographs of area designated for Summer Garden
or Sidewalk Café
III. New License issuance
• All appropriate licenses and certificates from DCRA and OTR
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Settlement Statement
• Bill of sales
• Clean Hands Certification
• Final Inspection conducted by Enforcement
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

11. The License Renewal Process
I. Renewal Application and License Issuance
• Complete Renewal Application
• Must be signed and notarized by Board approved officers
• Provide evidence of Good Standing with DCRA Corporations
• Entity and Officer must be Clean Hands Compliant
• New license is then issued
II. Renewal Placards
• Placards are posted for 45 days
• License renewal is not complete until placard period ends
• Protests on renewed licenses do not impede operation of the
establishment – licensee can continue to sell and serve
• Renewal process is complete after protests have been resolved
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

12. More Information
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration
2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400S
Washington, DC 20009
http://abra.dc.gov
Phone: (202) 442-4423
Fax: (202) 442-9563
TTY: (746) 777-7776
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm. Note license processing ends at
3:30 pm daily.