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Alcoholic Beverage Control

Alcohol service is a huge and positive part of the full service restaurant business. It is also a huge responsibility. Virginia, DC and Maryland each have its own laws and regulations governing the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages. But what is the same across state lines is the ever changing regulatory landscape.

From new ABC laws to enforcement initiatives, RAMW is an advocate for fair and reasonable legislation and is your resource for information on the alcoholic beverage regulations that affect your business.


New ABRA Information Available Online

August 18, 2009
There are two exciting new changes that can be found on the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration’s (ABRA’s) website. These two changes are designed to improvecommunications between the Agency and the public, including licensees. The first change is ABRA’s new E-Feedback Form . This form is intended to allow licensees and members of the publicto submit their suggestions to improve the agency both on-line and inreal time from the ABRA website. ABRA looks forward to receiving yourcomments regarding how they can continue to improve. The E-FeedbackForm can also be faxed...Read more

New ABRA Information Available Online

July 23, 2009
New ABRA Information Available Online There are two exciting new changes that can be found on the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration ’s (ABRA’s) website. These two changes are designed to improvecommunications between the Agency and the public, including licensees. The first change is ABRA’s new E-Feedback Form . This form is intended to allow licensees and members of the publicto submit their suggestions to improve the agency both on-line and inreal time from the ABRA website. ABRA looks forward to receiving yourcomments regarding how they can continue to improve...Read more

Inaugural Extend Hours Information

December 18, 2008
December 18, 2008 - The DC City Council passed emergency legislation extending the hours of operation and alcohol service from January 17th until 11:59 PM, January 21st. In order to participate in the extended hours you must file an application with ABRA by January 7th at 4:00 PM. The specifics of the extension are as follows: All on-premise establishments in the District are eligible to participate that either 1.) do not have a voluntary agreement or 2.) have voluntary agreements that do not specify hours of operation. Hours of operation may be continuous throughout the Inaugural weekend;...Read more

RAMW and a Coalition Helped to Facilitate More Changes to ABC Regulatory Approach

November 11, 2008
Changes to ABC Regulatory Approach Click here to view the latest communication received from Peter Feather, Chairman of the DC ABC Board, reflecting a significant change in the penalties imposed for sale to those underage, along with other changes in the Board’s regulatory approach. RAMW continues to fight for a reasonable regulatory environment and as always we will keep you posted on future efforts and successes.Read more

ABRA Announces Change to Sale to Minor Penalty

October 22, 2008
October 23, 2008 Maria Delaney, ABRA Director, sent an announcement changing the Sale to Minor Penalty. Following is the text from her email: “Effective immediately the penalty for staff settlement for a second sale to minor violation will change. The present penalty is 10 days suspension with 4 stayed and 6 days served but this has been changed to 10 days suspension with 6 days stayed and 4 days served. If the second offense is within a year, the licensee will also have to serve the stayed days from the first sale to minor violation. The licensee will still be required to pay $3,000...Read more

Wine Doggy Bags FAQ

October 15, 2008
Wine Doggy Bag FAQs: Many of you have raised questions about the recently passed Wine Doggy Bag provisions. Here are the most common questions we received here in the office at RAMW, and the answers provided by RAMW’s General Counsel, Andrew J. Kline: Do I have to use the special wine doggy bags? Or can I just use a regular take away bag stapled closed? The bag or container must be secured in such a manner that it is visibly apparent if the container has been opened or tampered with. You do not have to use RAMW’s designated vendor, but the Wine Doggy Bag meets those requirements...Read more

Virginia's Sangria Ban At Issue in 2 Hearings

January 23, 2008
Virginia 's Sangria Ban At Issue in 2 Hearings By Anita Kumar Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, January 24, 2008; B01 RICHMOND, Jan. 23 -- A Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control agent conducting a routine inspection in 2006 cited La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria for violating an obscure 75-year-old state law: It's illegal to serve sangria in Virginia . The fruity cocktail of wine and brandy that is a must-have at Spanish restaurants violates a law that forbids mixing wine or beer with spirits. If convicted, a bartender could go to jail for a year...Read more

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