State Compliance Guide

District of Columbia Liquor License Compliance

Free tool for DC bars and restaurants to track liquor permit and staff certification expiry dates. Get automatic ABCA reminders before anything lapses.

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Liquor Board

District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA)

Renewal Frequency

Triennial

Renewal Notes

Licenses are renewed every three years. ABCA sends renewal notices 90 days before expiration. Establishments must also maintain a valid Certificate of Occupancy and Basic Business License.

Server Certification

Required — ABCA Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) — required for all managers and servers

Penalty for Lapsed License

Fines range from $2,000 to $10,000. Operating without a valid license may result in closure, criminal prosecution, and ineligibility for future licensing.

Don't risk it

A lapsed license can mean fines, shutdowns, and lost revenue. PourLegal watches your deadlines so you don't have to.

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