The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) is an independent District of Columbia government regulatory agency created by DC Law 13-298, the Title 25, DC Code Enactment and Related Amendments Act of 2001, effective May 3, 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.
ABRA's foremost function is to issue licenses that enable qualified businesses to serve or sell alcoholic beverages. ABRA monitors compliance with ABC laws and takes appropriate enforcement action when a business violates these laws. ABRA enacts new laws regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in the District. ABRA also implements education and enforcement programs that help prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
Follow the links below to find out more about ABRA and the ABC Board.
