Background
The Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone (AMMZ) has been in effect, with some modifications, since 2000.
The moratorium:
- Increases the cap on the number of Retailer Class CT or DT (tavern) licenses to 16
- Maintains the moratorium on Retailer Class CN or DN (nightclub) licenses
Boundaries
The Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone is specifically described as beginning at 18th Street and Vernon Street, NW; and proceeding on both sides of all streets, unless otherwise noted:
- West on Vernon Street to 19th Street
- Northwest on 19th Street to Wyoming Avenue
- Southwest on Wyoming Avenue to 20th Street
- Northwest on 20th Street to Belmont Road
- West on Belmont Road to Waterside Drive
- North on Waterside Drive to Allen Place
- East on Allen Place to 20th Street
- North on 20th Street to Biltmore Street
- North on Biltmore Street to Calvert Street
- East on Calvert Street to Lanier Place
- Northeast on Lanier Place to Adams Mill Road
- Northwest on Adams Mill Road, and then Northeast to Ontario Road; East on Ontario Road to Lanier Place
- Northeast on Lanier Place to Quarry Road
- Southeast on Quarry Road to Columbia Road
- Northeast on Columbia Road to Mozart Place
- South on Mozart Place to Euclid Street
- East on Euclid Street to 16th Street
- South on the West side of 16th Street to Florida Avenue
- Southwest on Florida Avenue to U Street
- West on U Street to 18th Street, Washington, D.C.
Exemptions
- Restaurant license (CR/DR)
- Hotel licenses (CH/DH)
- Off-Premises Retailer licenses (A/B)
Status
The ABC Board voted to adopt the Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone Notice of Final Rulemaking on February 26, 2025.