We are nearing the tail end of what is known as the “three-year renewal cycle” for liquor-licensed establishments like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and liquor stores. The Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) Board will be considering renewals of CT licenses (taverns) and CN licenses (nightclubs) in November and December. The other main types of licenses, CR licenses (restaurant, full liquor service) and DR licenses (restaurant, beer and wine only), were up for renewal earlier in 2013.
At this month’s ANC meeting, the only CT license up for renewal in our Single Member District (2B08) is Chi Cha Lounge at 1624 U Street NW (#026519).
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board sent me their investigative history on Chi Cha Lounge, which is available here: Chi-Cha-Lounge-Investigative-History(11-1-13). There are only two investigation items in the last 3 years, or since the last renewal of Chi Cha Lounge’s license: the first item is a simple assault in 2012, with no further action taken by the board; the second item was an inappropriate cover charge in April 2013, which resulted in a $1000 fine against the establishment.
I plan to recommend that the ANC take no action on the renewal. In other words, we would neither support the renewal nor protest the renewal. This is standard procedure for our ANC for establishments asking for a renewed license who do not demonstrate a history of documented problems at the establishment.
To provide some additional context, Chi Cha Lounge earlier in 2013 asked the ANC for approval to amend their current “Voluntary Agreement” to take advantage of the additional hours now allowed by D.C. law for special holidays and inauguration periods. The ANC voted to approved that change, but the revised Voluntary Agreement (or “Settlement Agreement”) has not yet been finalized.
If you have any questions or issues, please contact me or comment below.
Will Stephens - Commissioner 