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Entertainment Endorsement (ABC) — live music, DJs, dancing, cover charge: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

ABCA

What it is

Endorsement on your liquor license that allows live entertainment (bands, DJs, drag shows, karaoke, comedy, trivia, poetry readings), a dance floor or a cover charge, indoors or in a licensed outdoor area.

When a restaurant needs it

Any live entertainment, dancing or cover charge at an alcohol-licensed restaurant.

How to apply

Request it on the alcohol license application or submit the Entertainment Endorsement Application by mail, email or in person.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Annual fee equal to 20% of the base license fee
Processing time
Varies
Renewal
With the license
Who files
Licensee or attorney.

Good to know

In the North Shaw moratorium zone (extended through 2029), ABCA won't issue new entertainment endorsements to restaurants or taverns. Elsewhere, neighbors often focus on entertainment hours and noise in settlement agreements, so propose reasonable limits up front.

Official source

ABCA: entertainment endorsement

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