Overview

To allow licensees with an on-site sales and consumption permit to offer live entertainment, provide a dance floor, or charge a cover. 

Entertainment is defined as live music or any other performance by an actual person, including live bands, karaoke, comedy shows, poetry readings and disc jockeys.
Entertainment does not include playing a television, radio, or other prerecorded music. A dance floor refers to offering an area for dancing or a dance floor space.

A cover charge is any fee paid by patrons for admission that is not directly applied to the purchase of food or drink. 

To Apply

In order to apply for a new entertainment endorsement or amend an existing entertainment endorsement after the original license is granted, complete the application and Submit it by mail, email, or at ABCA's office. 

Valid Period and Fees

The annual entertainment endorsement fee is twenty percent of the base license fee. An ABCA licensing specialist will provide you with the correct endorsement fee. Payment can be made in the form of a cashier’s check, certified check, business check, attorney’s check, personal check, or money order. A check or money order must be payable to the D.C. Treasurer. Payment may also be made by Visa or MasterCard.

Of Note

Licensees holding a nightclub, multipurpose facility or any other class CX or class DX retailer's license may provide live entertainment, charge a cover charge or provide a dance floor as a matter of right. Licensees holding a tavern license may provide a dance floor no larger than 140 square feet without an entertainment endorsement.