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.

This is a confusing issue for bars and restaurant owners, that I have received a number of questions on. That is due in no small part to the extensive, but incomplete coverage of the Cashless Retailer’s Prohibition Act of 2020. The short answer is YES, owner’s can refuse to accept cash, for now.