CONTACT:
Jared Powell (ABRA)
Public Information Officer
202.407.7961
[email protected]

In line with Mayor Muriel Bowser announcing the Monday, June 22 start of Phase Two of the District’s reopening plan, the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board on Friday unanimously voted to adopt emergency rulemaking to allow for limited indoor seating and capacities. The current prohibition against indoor dining at alcohol establishments will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. on June 22.

Under the new guidelines, establishments may seat up to 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load or seating capacity as determined by their certificate of occupancy (excluding employees), and parties of up to six (6) persons may be seated together indoors.   

All other Phase One guidelines that went into effect on May 29 continue to apply, including operating and service hours (8:00 a.m. – midnight, daily); requirements for reservations, table spacing, mask or face coverings and food menus; and restrictions on standing, close contact activities such as dancing, and self-serve buffets.

Alcohol establishments do not need to register with the District to begin offering indoor dining but they may not serve patrons indoors prior to 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

Restaurants, taverns, and other on-premises retailers may continue to offer outdoor dining as part of Phase Two. Only those businesses wanting to add new or expand outdoor seating in public and/or private space must register. New and expanded outdoor locations approved by the District may be used through midnight, October 25, 2020.

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration will host virtual Phase Two Information sessions for ABC licensees on Tuesday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 30 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Participants will be able to ask specific questions following a short presentation. Registration is required.

Program details, guidelines, answers to frequently asked questions, and registration are available at abra.dc.gov.