Vida Fitness’ “Penthouse Pool” on U Street has a new request (for “substantial change”) for its existing liquor license for the outdoor rooftop pool space. The request is to (1) add the fourth floor interior space to the designated premises for alcohol service/consumption and (2) add an entertainment endorsement for live music and/or DJ during the full hours of the license. The application placard is here.
In checking with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulatory Agency (ABRA), Penthouse has no “investigative history.” This means there have not been noise or other complaints investigated by ABRA.
This “substantial change” request is a somewhat unusual request because it involves entertainment on an outdoor rooftop space, and there are other rooftops nearby. There are establishments with rooftop entertainment south of the Circle, but so far not elsewhere in our ANC. Regardless, since the establishment, the ANC, and affected neighbors had a very serious and lengthy set of negotiations for a Voluntary Agreement (available here) when the liquor license was first applied for in 2011, I will plan to propose that the ANC protest the request in order to have a discussion and make sure the requested items do not run afoul of the agreed upon limitations in the existing Voluntary Agreement.
The item will be on the June 11th ANC agenda. We meet at Brookings Institution (1775 Mass Ave NW) from 7pm to 10pm on that day. This item will most likely be around 8pm or 8:30pm, but please check the published agenda on our website. Also, please let me know if you have any feedback. Thank you!
Will Stephens - Commissioner 