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ABC License — On-Premises Retailer Class C/T or D/T (Tavern: bar without a kitchen): Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

ABCA / ABC Board

What it is

The tavern license is for a bar that is not primarily a food business. It carries no food-sales minimum, but it is the class most often capped by moratorium zones and settlement agreements, and it costs more than a restaurant license.

When a restaurant needs it

A bar with no kitchen (or one that can't meet the restaurant food-sales minimums). Class C/T covers spirits, beer and wine; Class D/T beer and wine only.

How to apply

Same Alcohol License Application and 45-day placard process as a restaurant license; check 'Retailer Class C' or 'D' and 'Tavern'.

Documents you’ll need

Lease or letter of intent + Property Owner/Manager Affidavit
Clean Hands certificates for the entity and each individual
Basic Business License
Zoning certification and Certificate of Occupancy
Entity documents
Interior/exterior photos
Personal History Affidavit, police clearance report and release forms for each owner/officer
Security plan if the Board requires one

Fee

$75 application fee + license fee by capacity: CT-01 (99 or fewer) $1,300; CT-02 (100–199) $2,080; CT-03 (200+) $3,120; DT-01 $1,000; DT-02 $1,300; DT-03 $1,950

Processing time

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

Renewal

3-year cycle; tavern licenses next renew by September 30, 2028

Who files

The applicant files; most tavern applicants use an ABC attorney.

Good to know

Adams Morgan caps tavern licenses at 16 and North Shaw bars new taverns entirely (moratorium zones). Many ANCs push harder on taverns than restaurants, so expect a settlement agreement on hours and noise.

Official source

ABCA license fees (tavern classes) · ABCA: apply for an alcohol license

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