A moratorium zone is a defined area where the ABC Board has:

• Limited the number of alcoholic beverage licenses issued
• Prohibited the issuance of alcoholic beverage licenses of any class
• Prohibited the issuance of amended licenses that constitute a substantial change
• Limited the sale of products that may be sold by  an off-premises retailer’s license, class A or B

Any group with standing in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 25-601 may make a request to the ABC Board to issue limitations or declare a moratorium. Requests must stipulate the reasons the moratorium is appropriate under at least two of the appropriateness standards. See D.C. Official Code § 25-313.  If a request meets all of the requirements, the ABC Board will provide notice to the public as required by law.

There are 4 moratoriums in effect across the District. They include:

• North Shaw Moratorium Zone
• Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone
• Glover Park Moratorium Zone
• Langdon Park Moratorium Zone

Additional information on moratoria can be found in Title 25 of D.C. Official Code and Title 23 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.