You are here

DC Curfew and Pausing Business Operations

June 1, 2020

Sunday night in the District protests continued and several business areas were vandalized.  The City urges that businesses and individuals should be prepared to take precautionary measures today and tomorrow, and potentially as the week stretches on. 

The protests have taken on many forms, and although over 90% has been peaceful protesting, there are additional layers creating unrest in the evening hours.  We encourage you to stay safe and take the necessary precautions to protect your businesses and employees. 

Today, June 1st, Mayor Bowser announced that DC will be under curfew from 7pm to 6am starting tonight and again tomorrow night. 

What you need to know and do:

  • The City recommends that businesses close down service a few hours before curfew allowing time for employees and business owners to get home safely and to allow the city to prepare properly for all forms of protest matters.  This is not mandated but encouraged especially if you are located in the Central Business District.
  • Parking will be restricted beginning at 4pm today.  You will not be able to park on the street between the 500 and 2000 blocks of K Street NW.  Cars will be towed.  
  • It has not been announced that streets will be closed, but you should assume there will be a perimeter area the closer you get to the White House. 
  • Curfew does not apply to journalists and essential workers, however best judgment should be employed given your location.  
  • Chief of Police Newsham warned that people disobeying the curfew will be taken into custody. 

As vandalism, looting and fires have occurred throughout DC, the City is asking businesses to take preventative measures. 

  • If you have not already done so, please remove outdoor furniture, planters, etc that could be easily moved.  
  • If you choose to board up your business, it is important to board up properly in order for it to be effective. Utilize plywood to board up windows and glass doors.  
  • For those who do not board up and have high-value items in sight from the street such as computers, fully-stocked bars, and other valuables, please plan to remove them.

Chief Newsham and the City are urging all business owners who have images or video footage of individuals who have destroyed property or harmed individuals to call the police headquarters command center at (202) 727-9099. You can also text tips to MPD, or use your cell phone to send pictures or video to the Metropolitan Police Department by texting to the number 50411. Text, photo and video messages are monitored by members of the department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

As this evolves, we will continue to keep you posted.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions to coronavirus@ramw.org.

Please be safe, kind and still.  

Best, 

Kathy