Last month, D.C. held a hearing debating whether to ban new liquor licenses on 9th Street NW on the block just south of U Street NW. A group of Shaw residents submitted a petition to implement the moratorium, complaining that the dozens of bars on the street are affecting their quality of life.
What This Means For 9th Street
Essentially, the city would stop issuing new liquor licenses for that block. The moratorium would also affect transferring licenses. Right now, there are three other neighborhoods with moratoriums: Adams Morgan, Glover Park, and Langdon Park.
The Pro-Moratorium Side
“It really seems to me to be neighbors versus merchants,” reporter Mark Segraves told us. He said residents were concerned with the growing number of bars and the traffic congestion, noise, public urination, fights, violence, and robberies that they say come with them.
The Opposing Side
New businesses are less than thrilled about the idea. Segraves said for some, this could make or break their business. “I spoke to a young entrepreneur who has his liquor license pending right now. He's got his life savings invested in the establishment,” said Segraves. Many business owners also worry about the precedent it might set for surrounding areas.
The old Hollywood Tavern on 9th Street NW. Proof that partiers were here far before the NIMBYs. (Streets of Washington/Flickr)
Decision Time
The city held a public hearing last month and received many public comments before the comment period closed. Now, the decision rests in the hands of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board. A resolution could take months. Learn the nitty-gritty about what to expect.
