Plain English Breakdown
The exact effective date depends on Mayor approval or veto override; the text states it takes effect following those actions.
Emergency Act to Allow Extended Hours for Alcohol Sales at Special Events
This law allows the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board in Washington, D.C., to let certain licensed businesses sell alcohol until 4:00 a.m. during cultural, sporting, or tourism-related events.
What This Bill Does
- Allows the Board to extend sales hours for alcoholic beverages until 4:00 a.m. and operating hours to 24 hours a day for specific events.
- Requires licensees to register with the Board and pay a minimum fee of $100 to participate.
- Mandates that businesses give written notice to the Board at least three calendar days before an event starts.
- Directs the Board to notify the Metropolitan Police Department 48 hours before extended hours begin, including a list of eligible establishments.
- Requires public notices about these events in the D.C. Register and on the ABCA website if feasible.
Who It Names or Affects
- Businesses holding non-premises retailer licenses, manufacturer's licenses with an on-site sales permit, or temporary licenses.
- The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABCA).
- The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C.
Terms To Know
- Cultural event
- An event or gathering that aims to highlight customs, arts, music, dances, or cuisines through performances and displays of artistic expression.
- Sporting event
- A professional or amateur game or athletic competition organized by a league or association that occurs once annually or every four years.
- Tourism-related event
- An event, such as a major festival, convention, or trade show, with the potential to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius and produce a significant positive financial impact for the District.
Limits and Unknowns
- This law is an emergency act that remains in effect for no longer than 90 days after approval.
- Public notice in the D.C. Register must be provided only to the extent feasible before posting online.
- Extended hours apply only to licensees with specific non-premises, manufacturer on-site sales, or temporary licenses.