A coworker claims that, technically speaking, there are no bars in Washington D.C. He said all DC establishments that serve alcohol must have a grill, and are therefore classified as “eateries that incidentally sell alcoholic beverages.”
You mean I can’t just open a regular 'ol bar in DC?
I don’t doubt it. Virginia (right across the river) is the same way.
DC does have a s**tload of liquor stores, though. Some are in burned-out buildings, where the only occupied space is the store. Lots of malt liquor aficionados hang out there.
PS - I think whatever law or statute that dictates the “no bar” rule says something to the effect that they must make no more that a certain percentage of their sales from alcohol. So if a restaurant has a large drinking clientelle, their food prices are probably inflated to make sure they make their proper ratio of food-to-alcohol sales.
He is correct. According to the District’s Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs, Business and Professional Licensing Administration’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Program, there are several classes of liquor licenses in the District. The licenses relevant to the question are permanent licenses given for distribution of wine and beer (Class D) or wine, beer and spirits (class C) for consumption on the premises. Both Class C and D have several categories:
CR/DR: For restaurants, defined as an establishment with kitchen and dining facilities, derives 45% of annual revenue from the sale of food, and whose kitchen is open until 2 hours prior to closing.
CT/DT: For taverns, defined as establishments which offer food, drink, and offers entertainment (except nude dancing) or dancing for patrons only. Dance floors not to exceed 140 sq. ft.
CN/DN: Nightclubs, which offer food and drink, and music and dancing facilities for entertainers and patrons. Can include nude dancing.
CH/DH: Hotels. All the same restrictions as CR/DR, but also must have at least one dining room on premises, and offer sleeping accommodations for guests.
CX/DX: For private clubs, the Convention Center, legitimate theatres, railroad dining cars or passneger-carrying marine vessels.
There are also Class F and Class G licenses, which are temporary licenses to dispense wine and beer or wine, beer and spirits, respectively, as long as food is served.