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Closing Hours & Sidewalk Cafe Permits
November 12, 2009
Important Info: Closing Hours & Sidewalk Café Permits
What are your closing hours? Are you in compliance?
RAMW has learned that many members are not in compliance with theclosing hours listed on their DC ABC application. The ABC Board takesthe position that whatever time you list as your closing hour, you arerequired to have all patrons off the premises and all alcohol put awayby that hour.
If you advertise that you close at 10 p.m., you may presume thatpatrons are legally permitted to enter your restaurant and be seated bythat time, remain in the restaurant to be served and finish their mealor beverages after that hour. If, however, you listed 10 p.m. as yourclosing hour with ABRA, you are in violation.
If you are in this situation, you should IMMEDIATELY request, or have your attorney request, a later closing time from Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) at (202) 442-4423.
Is your sidewalk café permit current and your public space rental fees up to date?
RAMW has learned that the District will begin a public spaceenforcement initiative. If you have outside eating on public space, youshould make sure you have a permit, and your rental fees are current.
If you have any questions, contact District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Public Space Permits at (202) 673-6813 or contact your attorney.
What are your closing hours? Are you in compliance?
RAMW has learned that many members are not in compliance with theclosing hours listed on their DC ABC application. The ABC Board takesthe position that whatever time you list as your closing hour, you arerequired to have all patrons off the premises and all alcohol put awayby that hour.
If you advertise that you close at 10 p.m., you may presume thatpatrons are legally permitted to enter your restaurant and be seated bythat time, remain in the restaurant to be served and finish their mealor beverages after that hour. If, however, you listed 10 p.m. as yourclosing hour with ABRA, you are in violation.
If you are in this situation, you should IMMEDIATELY request, or have your attorney request, a later closing time from Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) at (202) 442-4423.
Is your sidewalk café permit current and your public space rental fees up to date?
RAMW has learned that the District will begin a public spaceenforcement initiative. If you have outside eating on public space, youshould make sure you have a permit, and your rental fees are current.
If you have any questions, contact District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Public Space Permits at (202) 673-6813 or contact your attorney.
