Obtaining an ABC License   The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) issues ABC licenses for the manufacture, wholesale, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages in the District of Columbia. Licensees may include liquor stores, grocery stores, brew pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, taverns, and other establishments that manufacture, sell, or serve alcoholic beverages. ABRA also inspects license holders to ensure their compliance with ABC codes and regulations.   Submission requirements Licensing process     Submission Requirements   Your ABC License application must be submitted in person at the ABRA offices. Along with your application you must bring a tax registration form, Clean Hands certificate, and licensing fees, as follows: ABC License Application -  For detailed requirements, consult the ABC License-related Applications table on the Applications, Forms, and Fact Sheets page.   Tax Registration -  All applicants must file for a District of Columbia business tax number at the Office of Tax and Revenue, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, 1st floor, Washington, DC, 20002. Submit the stamped copy of your tax certification with the ABC Application.   Clean Hands Certificate - You must provide ABRA with proof that you are up to date on your DC taxes.   Fees - Fees vary. Contact an ABRA Licensing Specialist for your specific application fee. There is a processing fee of $75.00; however, processing fees may be prorated. Upon denial or withdrawal, a processing charge will be deducted as follows: Sole Proprietorship ($150), Partnership ($250), and Corporations ($350).    Make all cashier's checks, money orders, or certified checks payable to the DC Treasurer. No business or personal checks will be accepted. You will need to bring at least one form of government-issued personal identification. For more information about license fees, refer to License Classes and Fees.   Licensing Process File your application -  Include the additional required documents as described above. To schedule an appointment for application submission, contact an ABRA Licensing Specialist at (202) 442-4423 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. To ensure that your application is accepted and processed in a timely fashion, the application must be complete at the time it is presented.       Background investigation - Await the results of ABRA's background investigation, which includes a criminal history records check on the applicant.   Placard period - Wait for the 60-day public notice period ("placard period") to end. The placard period gives area citizens the opportunity to protest the awarding of your license. Citizen objections must clearly reference at least one "appropriateness standard", which may include: adverse impact on the peace, order, and quiet in the community; residential parking difficulties; vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety; property values; and over concentration of ABC establishments in the neighborhood.   Receive you Board-approved license - If there are no objections during the placard period, and your application and background investigation are completed, the ABC Board will issue your license.   If you have applied for an ABC license but have not yet received approval for its issuance, the ABC Board may grant you a "stipulated license" that enables you to begin serving alcoholic beverages until your full license is issued. If valid objections to your operations are raised during the stipulated period, you must stop serving alcoholic beverages under your stipulated license.