The mission of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) is to support the public’s health, safety and welfare through the control and regulation of the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and medical cannabis.
ABCA issues and renews licenses that enable qualified businesses to sell and serve alcoholic beverages and to sell medical cannabis and related products. The agency also monitors compliance with ABC laws and takes appropriate enforcement action when licensees violate these laws. When necessary, ABCA proposes new laws regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages and medical cannabis in DC. ABCA also offers education programs that help ABC establishments prevent the sale of alcohol to underage individuals.
ABCA is committed to promoting the health, safety and welfare of citizens patronizing more than 2,000 ABC-licensed establishments in the District. Toward this goal, ABCA educates owners and employees of ABC establishments as to how to comply with ABC laws, policies and procedures. ABCA conducts licensing, training, adjudication and enforcement efforts that serve:
- ABC Licensees
- Law enforcement agencies
- Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs)
- Community Associations
- Members of the public
ABCA operates under the authority of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board which sets policy parameters for the agency.