D.C.'s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration - Out of Control
Word around town is that the DC Government has its sights set on Entertainment complexes and nightlife venues. The ones supposed the DC ABRA has decided to focus on are the ones that have a intense amount of violence and underage drinking.
In the article, D.C. Cracks Down on Clubs by Washington Post Staff writer Keith L. Alexander. The article stated: "This year, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has temporarily suspended the licenses of 94 nightclubs and permanently closed two others. Last year, the board issued 138 suspensions but did not close any clubs." You may have noticed in our prior posts the two venues that were shut down.
Upon doing some research of our own we noticed that the number of ABC licenses suspended and fines issued quadrupled from 2006 - 2007. In 2006 only 38 licenses suspended were suspended but fast forward to 2007 138 licenses were suspended. We understand there has been a mini club and lounge boom in the NW and NE corridors of the city. Nonetheless those numbers are insane.
The latest to fall in the crackdown was Cafe Citron last week. We are still waiting on updates to the reason for the suspension, but sad to say we know there are more on the way. in speaking with a few owners and management, the general consensus is that its getting harder and harder to run a nightlife facility in the city.
In late June Adams Morgan famed bar Madam's Organ which has been operated by Bill Duggan for well over a decade faced a 5 day suspension for a shady seat occupancy violation. After getting his lawyers involved the ruling was overturned and the suspension was dropped. If this is left unchecked this can snowball out of control.
This blog will be updated as we come across more information.
