Many DC bars have settlement agreements with their ANC, so-called citizens’ associations, or gangs of local NIMBYers. They may restrict hours or other operations. Owners are forced to accept these conditions when starting their business under duress, because they can’t afford a 6-9 month fight without being open for business.

Many DC bars have settlement agreements with their ANC, so-called citizens’ associations, or gangs of local NIMBYers. These agreements can restrict hours, operations and create onerous standards as a condition of liquor licenses. What many owners don’t know, is that SA’s don’t have to be forever. After four (4) years, if you follow the procedure, you can petition the Board to terminate or modify your SA.

A client recently asked me about regular DC nightclubs, without nude entertainment licenses, having exotic dancer parties. “Is this legal?” Probably not, but it depends on what the dancers are doing.

Evictions scheduled pre-pandemic, more than 18 months ago, recently began to crawl forward amidst heavy court challenges by legal service providers. In an earlier post, I laid out the relevant dates and requirements to resume evictions. In October, the Council passed a new law adding additional hoops owners have to jump through to recover their property.