(WASHINGTON, DC) – By a vote of 6-0, the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board adopted an emergency rulemaking on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Suspension of On-Premises Alcohol Sales and Consumption Due to Public Emergency Notice of Emergency Rulemaking is effective today --Thursday, March 19, 2020-- at 4:00 p.m. through the duration of either or both the Mayor’s Public Emergency and Public Health Emergency. 

The prohibition applies to holders of a retailers license Class C or D, including licensed caterers; Class A or B manufacturers holding an on-site sales and consumption permit, festival and temporary license holders and any other license or permit category set forth under Title 25 of the DC Official Code.

Holders of hotel licenses may offer minibars in guest rooms and provide room service.

ABC licensed restaurants and taverns registered with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) to sell beer, wine and spirits in closed containers for carry-out and delivery accompanied by at least one (1) prepared food item may continue to do so. Registration with ABRA is required by law.

Licensees that fail to comply are subject to immediate license suspension and/or revocation.

Licensees are encouraged to remain up to date on the District of Columbia Government’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19) by visiting coronavirus.dc.gov. Additional industry specific updates including deadline extensions are available at abra.dc.gov.