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

ABCA / ABC Board

What it is

The beer-and-wine-only restaurant license. Same application, placard period and food-sales rules as Class C, but the license fee is lower and the food minimum is $1,500 per occupant per year (or 45% of gross receipts).

When a restaurant needs it

Before selling beer or wine when you will not serve spirits. If you later want cocktails you must apply for a change of class.

How to apply

Same packet as Class C: submit the Alcohol License Application to ABCA by email (ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov), by mail, or in person at 899 North Capitol St NE, Suite 4200-B; check 'Retailer Class D' and 'Restaurant'.

Documents you’ll need

Lease or letter of intent + Property Owner/Manager Affidavit
Clean Hands certificates for the entity and each individual on the application
Basic Business License
Zoning certification and Certificate of Occupancy
Entity documents
Menu
Interior/exterior photos
Personal History Affidavit, police clearance report and release forms for each owner/officer
Government-issued ID

Fee

$75 application fee + license fee by capacity: DR-01 (99 or fewer) $600; DR-02 (100–199) $780; DR-03 (200–499) $1,170; DR-04 (500+) $1,560

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

ABCA: Class D 'permits the sale, service and consumption of beer and wine at a restaurant'. Hours, quarterly statements and the ABC Manager rule are identical to Class C.

Official source

ABCA: restaurant licenses (Class C and D) · ABCA license fees & renewal schedule

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