B26-0710 • 2025

Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Labor

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: Henderson
Last action: 2026-07-14
Official status: Under Mayoral Review
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not define 'Class C' or 'Class D' licenses, so the explanation assumes they relate to alcohol sales based on common context but this is not explicitly stated in the provided excerpt.

Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill allows certain retail stores and restaurants in Washington, D.C., to refuse cash payments if they post a clear notice.

What This Bill Does

Amends section 28-5404 of the District of Columbia Official Code on an emergency basis.
Allows specific businesses to stop accepting cash as payment.
Requires these businesses to display written, visible notices that they do not accept cash.
Limits this rule to retail stores with Class C or D licenses and certain restaurants.
Sets a maximum duration of 90 days for the law if it becomes effective.

Who It Names or Affects

Retail establishments holding valid on-premises Class C or Class D retailer licenses.
Restaurants that operate twenty-four hours a day.
Restaurants that are open at least two days per week starting at 3:00 am.

Terms To Know

Class C or Class D retailer license: A specific type of permit required for certain retail businesses in the District of Columbia to sell alcohol on-site.
Conspicuous notice: A clear written sign displayed where customers can easily see it, such as on a door or menu.

Limits and Unknowns

The law only stays in effect for up to 90 days after approval.
The bill is currently under review by the Mayor and has not yet taken full legal effect.
Businesses must meet specific operating hours or license types to qualify.

Bill History

2026-07-14 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Jul 28, 2026
2026-06-30 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Retained by the Council
2026-06-30 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Legislative Meeting
2026-06-26 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
B26-0710 Introduced by Councilmember Henderson at Office of the Secretary

Official Summary Text

Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

ENROLLED ORIGINAL

1

AN ACT

_______________

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

_______________________

To amend, on an emergency basis, section 28-5404 of the District of Columbia Official Code to
allow retail establishments with a valid on-premises Class C or Class D retailer license
and certain restaurants to refuse cash as a form of payment.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
act may be cited as the “Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Emergency
Amendment Act of 2026”.

Sec. 2. Section 28-5404 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows:
(a) Paragraph (3)(C) is amended by striking the phrase “; or” and inserting a semicolon in
its place.
(b) Paragraph (4) is amended by striking the period and inserting the phrase “; or” in its
place.
(c) A new paragraph (5) is added to read as follows:
“(5) Provided that written, conspicuous notice to the public is displayed on the
door of the establishment or menu that cash payments are not accepted, to:
“(A) A retail establishment with a valid on-premises Class C or Class D retailer
license; or
“(B) A restaurant location, as that term is defined in § 25-101(43), that operates:
“(i) Twenty-four hours a day; or
“(ii) At 3:00 am at least 2 days a week.”.

Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement.
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Budget Director as the fiscal impact
statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved
October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).

Sec. 4. Effective date.
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the
Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), and shall remain in effect for no longer than
ENROLLED ORIGINAL

2

90 days, as provided for emergency acts of the Council of the District of Columbia in section
412(a) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 788;
D.C. Official Code § 1-204.12(a)).

___________________________________
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia

_________________________________
Mayor
District of Columbia