The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) issues and renews licenses that enable qualified businesses to sell and serve alcoholic beverages. ABRA monitors compliance with ABC laws and takes appropriate enforcement action when licensees violate these laws. When necessary, ABRA proposes new laws regulating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the District. ABRA also offers education programs that help ABC establishments prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.

ABRA is an independent government regulatory agency created in 2001 by Title 25, DC Official Code 13-298 and the DC Code Enactment and Related Amendments Act of 2001. Prior to the enactment of this law, ABRA was a division of the District's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). ABRA operates under the authority of a seven-member Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board that sets policy parameters for the Agency. Members of the ABC Board are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

Vision

ABRA is committed to promoting the health, safety, and welfare of citizens patronizing the approximately 1,750 ABC establishments in the District. Toward this goal, ABRA educates owners and employees of ABC establishments as to how to comply with ABC laws, policies, and procedures.