DC Workplace Posters + Notice of Hire (Wage Theft Prevention): Washington, D.C. restaurant guide
DOES — Office of Wage-Hour
What it is
DC employers must display the Minimum Wage, Accrued Sick and Safe Leave, Living Wage, Universal Wage Law and (where applicable) Building Services posters, plus the workers' comp and Paid Family Leave notices, and give every new employee a written Notice of Hire.
When a restaurant needs it
Before employees start; the Notice of Hire goes to each employee at hiring ($500 per employee penalty).
How to apply
Download the posters and the Notice of Hire template from DOES, post them in English and the languages your staff speak, and keep signed Notice of Hire forms in each personnel file.
Documents you’ll need
- Posted DOES posters
- Signed Notice of Hire form per employee
Good to know
DC's Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act applies to restaurant staff; tipped-wage quarterly reporting to DOES is now voluntary (DC Code § 32-1009.01 reporting repealed).
Official source
DOES Office of Wage-Hour: employers (posters, Notice of Hire)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.