Mr. Ha’s Plum Blossom has now changed name to be “Mimosa.” The switch seems to have taken place over the weekend of July 12-13. [Update: The name has changed back to Plum Blossom.]
Several questions have arisen regarding changes to the business:
- Why wasn’t there public notice of the change? A liquor license may be transferred to a new owner without any public placard or “protest” process (but the license requirements remain the same).
- What are the license requirements? The existing “Voluntary Agreement” (originally with Plum Blossom) is available here. The interior closing hours are 11pm on weeknights and 12am on weekends (and the sidewalk cafe an hour earlier than those hours). Those hours mean no further service and no patrons.
- Has there been any formal request to change hours or any other license limitations? No. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) would normally consider changes in late-night hours to be a “substantial change” that would be subject to placarding and public protest process. The ANC would get a notice, and the ABC laws would require the establishment to post a placard prominently in the window. In addition, because the later hours would involve a change to an existing VA, the signatory groups on the VA would have to agree.
- What enforcement action has been taken? Neighbors and the ANC have contacted the Alcoholic Beverage Regulatory Agency (ABRA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about the business change and apparent license violations. Agency representatives have agreed to monitor the location and ensure the new owners understand the applicable rules.
Will Stephens - Commissioner 