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District of Columbia Resource Guide

The following is a list of resources and vital information related the District of Columbia Coronavirus Response Efforts as related to your DC based restaurant. This list of resource links will continue to be updated with new information as it becomes available. 

Where D.C. Is In Terms of ReOpening

Updated Mask Guidance as of October 14, 2021
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that masks will be required indoors in the District, regardless of vaccination status. The new mask order takes effect January 7, 2022. and is designed to minimize further spread of the virus, particularly the Delta variant. This new requirement will apply to everyone 2 years of age and older. The mask requirement does not apply to any person while consuming food or drink. There have been no further discussions or guidance suggesting additional rollbacks or restrictions such as capacity limits. While not mandated, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced shortly after that masks are recommended and encouraged for individuals indoors in public settings where there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission.  
Click here for the Order.
 

DC Streateries

DDOT announced that Streatery permits are extended through Monday, February 28, 2022. Applicants do not need to take any action as DDOT will automatically extend the valid permits to the above date. 

The affected permits include occupancy permits for Other Special Events (Streateries), Temporary Sidewalk Table Service, Parklets, Restaurant Curbside Pick-Up Zones and Non-Essential Retailer Curbside PickUp Zones. Additionally, Winterization Construction Permits for Tents and/or Heaters, Walls and Platforms will also be extended under this Mayor’s Order. When renewed permits are issued, permittees will need to print and post the newly extended permits and the updated Emergency No Parking/Reserved Parking (ENP/RP) signs. Customers should ensure they post a copy of the approved permits onsite at all time as required by DCMR24 regulations. For those who no longer wish to operate a Streatery, Parklet, or Extended Table Service Operation, please contact Neighborhood.Planning@dc.gov. Please contact DDOT’s Public Space Regulation Division, Customer Relations Branch at (202) 442-4670 or crb.services@dc.gov if you have any questions regarding this communication.

DDOT’s announcement also included a positive note that due to the success of this pilot program, they are developing a permanent Streatery Program to be launched in 2022 and they will release information about this soon, including opportunities for our industry to provide feedback.

 

For those looking for the most updated guidance and information, please see the links below: 

  • Click here for ABRA June 11, 2021 Rulemaking on Additional Outdoor Seating on Public and Private Space
  • Click here for DDOT Streatery FAQs
  • Click here for the proposed Reopen DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Amendment Act

There are several laws and regulations that went into effect on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

  • Minimum Wage: Minimum wage increases to $15.20 per hour. The tipped minimum wage increases to $5.05. 
  • Foam Ban Fines: DOEE currently enforces the Foam Ban for foodservice ware and issues fines. DOEE began actively inspecting retail businesses for the Foam Ban in January 2021 and will begin issuing fines for retail violations on July 1, 2021.
  • Reducing Food Service Waste: By July 1, 2021, third-party food ordering platforms must include the option for customers to request and select disposable utensils and other add-on items. See the Reducing Food Service Waste page for more information.

DC Legislative Updates

The DC Council passed emergency legislation recently that extended a few pandemic protections, specifically around the eviction moratorium and rent increases, debt protections, and utilities. Click here to read in more detail. For operators utilizing 3rd party delivery services, the Council’s Eviction and Utility Moratorium Phasing Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2021 included an extension of the 15% delivery cap. Apps can still collect no more than 15 percent commissions on delivery orders and no more than 5 percent commissions on pick-up orders through November 5, 2021. 

The DC ABC Board voted unanimously to end the requirement that bars, restaurants, and nightclubs must provide a reservation system and collect contract tracing information. This is currently effective as of Friday, June 11 as all remaining capacity and service limits end for nightclubs, sporting venues, and large entertainment venues. Businesses can choose to maintain their reservation-only systems or continue to collect patrons’ information for contact tracing purposes, but will no longer be required to do so under DC’s emergency order. 

The Council extended the authority of the Mayor to extend the Public Health Emergency to July 25, at the latest. The Mayor has indicated that she will in fact extend it to accommodate administrative needs and the ability to receive and utilize Federal relief funds. She has not yet said if she will extend it all the way to July 25th, however. 

In DC, ABRA announced that the agency decided to extend the payment deadlines for select alcohol licensees financially impacted by the restrictions implemented to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

  • Second annual license fee payments for Retailer CN licenses, for licensure period October 1, 2019-September 30, 2022, are modified. Now, both the second and third annual fee payments are due on 9/30/21. The original deadline for the second payment was 9/30/20. The deadline for the third payment remains unchanged.

  • Third and final license fee payments for the licensure period April 1, 2019-March 31, 2022 now have an official modified payment deadline of 9/30/21. The original deadline was 3/30/21. This applies to the following licenses: Retailer CR/DR, Retailer CH/DH, Multipurpose facility CX/DX, Common Carrier CX/DX, Retailer, Arena CX, Club CX/DX, Caterer. 

  • The deadline for registered on-premises alcohol licensees to obtain an alcohol carry-out and delivery endorsement is now 9/30/21. Additionally, any alcohol establishment that has been approved for a Games of Skill Endorsement by the ABC Board must also secure a Game of Skill Retailer License from the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) to be able to continue operating the machines on-premises. The deadline to submit an application to OLG (not secure a license) is 6/30/21.

  • A comprehensive fee and renewal schedule—inclusive of endorsements and permits—is available on ABRA’s website.

  • New statements will be mailed to licensees with outstanding balances in mid-to-late July 2021. Previously received invoices may be discarded.

  • If you have questions regarding payment or renewal deadlines, please email the Licensing Division at abc@dc.gov. In the subject line, include the subject of your inquiry, trade name, and alcohol license number. Inquiries will be responded to Monday-Friday, between 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Questions about modifications may be directed to ABRA’s Licensing Division at abc@dc.gov. Inquiries are responded to Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4pm

Archived Coronavirus Content

CONTACT RAMW

If you have questions regarding any of the above topics or anything else, please email coronavirus@ramw.org, as this will help ensure you receive a timely response on your pressing issue. To reach out to a specific team member, please click here for our staff directory.