ABRA

The Liquor License Application ProcessThe Liquor License Application ProcessKaren Jackson , Licensing Specialist Karen Jackson , Licensing Specialist

Licensing Division Licensing DivisionDecember 12, 2012December 12, 2012

IntroductionIntroductionWho 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

ABRA DivisionsABRA DivisionsI. 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

Off-Premise License ClassesOff-Premise License ClassesClass 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

On-Premise License ClassesOn-Premise License ClassesClass 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

Before The ApplicationBefore The ApplicationApplicants – 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

The Application ProcessThe Application ProcessThree 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

The Application ProcessThe Application ProcessI. 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

The Placard ProcessThe Placard ProcessFor 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

The Application ProcessThe Application ProcessII. 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

The License Renewal ProcessThe License Renewal ProcessI. 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

More InformationMore InformationAlcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration

2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400SWashington, DC 20009

http://abra.dc.govPhone: (202) 442-4423

Fax: (202) 442-9563TTY: (746) 777-7776

Office Hours:Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm. Note license processing ends at 3:30 pm daily.