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Extended Holiday Hours Registration (ABC): Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

ABCA

What it is

A free registration that lets on-premises retailers sell alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24 hours on ABCA's designated holidays and holiday weekends. Outside those dates your hours are the ones on your license (sales end by 2 a.m. Sun–Thu nights and 3 a.m. Fri–Sat nights under DC Code § 25-723).

When a restaurant needs it

Optional for late-night concepts; apply at least 30 days before the first holiday you want to use.

How to apply

Submit the Extended Holiday Hours Application to ABCA (or check the box on your license application); registration is permanent once approved.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
There is no fee to participate
Processing time
Apply at least 30 days before the holiday
Renewal
Registration is permanent and carries over to new license periods
Who files
Licensee or ABC attorney.

Good to know

Settlement agreements still apply, so a neighborhood deal that closes you at midnight overrides the holiday hours.

Official source

ABCA: extended holiday hours · DC Code § 25-723: hours of sale

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