Permit guides › Washington, D.C. › DC-TR-08

ABC License — On-Premises Retailer Class C/R (Restaurant: spirits, beer and wine): Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

ABCA / ABC Board

What it is

Your liquor license for a restaurant serving spirits, beer and wine. The 'R' (restaurant) type carries food-sales minimums ($2,000 of food per occupant per year or 45% of gross receipts) and the kitchen must serve food until two hours before closing.

When a restaurant needs it

Before selling spirits. If you will only serve beer and wine, apply for the cheaper Class D/R license instead (DC-TR-36).

How to apply

Submit the Alcohol License Application packet to ABCA by email (ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov), by mail, or in person at 899 North Capitol St NE, Suite 4200-B. Placards go up for a 45-day protest period, then the ABC Board approves or holds a hearing.

Documents you’ll need

Lease or letter of intent + Property Owner/Manager Affidavit
Clean Hands certificates for the business entity and for each individual listed on the application
Basic Business License
Zoning certification and Certificate of Occupancy
Entity documents (operating agreement / board minutes)
Menu
Interior/exterior photos (5"x7" or 7½"x10")
Personal History Affidavit, police clearance report and signed release forms for each owner/officer
Government-issued ID

Fee

$75 application fee + license fee by capacity: CR-01 (99 or fewer) $1,000; CR-02 (100–199) $1,300; CR-03 (200–499) $1,950; CR-04 (500+) $2,600

Processing time

ABCA says it 'may take several months'; minimum 45-day placard period, longer if protested

Renewal

3-year cycle; restaurant licenses next renew by March 31, 2028

Who files

The applicant files; many owners use an ABC attorney or licensing consultant.

Good to know

Fees step up at 100 capacity, so set your C of O occupant load with the tier in mind. Endorsements (entertainment, sidewalk café/summer garden, carry-out and delivery, extended holiday hours, streatery) are checkboxes on the same application.

Official source

ABCA: apply for an alcohol license · ABCA license fees & renewal schedule

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.