The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) issues and renews licenses that enable qualified businesses to sell and serve alcoholic beverages. ABCA 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 in the District of Columbia. ABCA also offers education programs that help ABC establishments prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.

ABCA is an independent government regulatory agency created in 2001 by Title 25, DC Official Code 13-298 and the DC Code Enactment and Related Amendments Act of 2001. Prior to the enactment of this law, ABCA was a division of the District's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). ABCA operates under the authority of a seven-member Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) that sets policy parameters for the Agency. Members of the ABC Board are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

Vision

ABCA is committed to promoting the health, safety and welfare of citizens patronizing approximately 1,750 ABC establishments in the District. Toward this goal, ABCA educates owners and employees of ABC establishments on complying with ABC laws, policies and procedures.