Overview

On-Premises Retailers, Off-Premises Retailers, and Manufacturers with an On-Site Sales and Consumption endorsement must have the license holder or an ABC Manager on-duty and physically on-site to legally and sell alcohol. If approved, ABC Manager Licenses are issued to and maintained by the person named in the application for the entire period. An ABC Manager License is not associated with or controlled by any venue even if paid for by a representative from that venue.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. Board Orders and Settlement Agreements apply and may affect eligibility. Additional eligibility conditions are detailed in DC Official Code Title 25: Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration and DC Municipal Regulations Title 23: Alcoholic Beverages.

To Apply

Complete all fields and attach all required documents. Enter “N/A” if questions are not applicable. Enter “Attached” in fields requesting a document. Enter “To be provided” in fields where a required document is permitted to be submitted separately within the specified period. 

Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or ABCA's office:

Valid Period and Fees

Permanent ABC Manager Licenses are valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. Temporary licenses valid for 30 days may be issued to applicants needing to complete an alcohol awareness training course or 90-days for applicants whose police clearance report(s) are pending. If required documents are not submitted within the specified period, all monies will be forfeited and the license application will be voided.

The non-refundable fee per licensure period is $390. Accepted methods of payment include check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. Checks must be addressed to the “DC Treasurer”. Online payments are accommodated upon request.