The D.C. Council discovered a long-forgotten law during a recent audit, and is rushing to allow those named "Doug" equal access to outdoor dining. The announcement was made on April Fools' Day.
WASHINGTON — The D.C. Council announced Sunday, April 1, that “Dougs” are now allowed to eat in restaurants that offer outdoor seating.
According to a Facebook statement put out by the Council, this rectifies a little-known District ordinance going back decades.
This development comes after the council recently decided to allow dogs to accompany their owners at restaurants with sidewalk seating or patios.
The council said a recent audit designed to reveal outdated laws revealed the ban on Dougs. Before the members could vote on implementing a change, local eateries started to enforce the old-fashioned rule.
The news is certainly a relief to notable Dougs in the D.C.-area, including former Washington Redskins quarterback and current Senior Vice President of Player Personnel, former Washington Wizards coach Doug Collins and NBC Storm Team4 meteorologist Doug Kammerer.
Below is a gallery of famous Dougs in the area that benefit from the new ordinance.
Doug Williams helped the Redskins win Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos in 1988.
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File
Doug Collins coached the Washington Wizards from 2001-2003. He led the team when Michael Jordan played for Washington, and was fired after missing the playoffs in 2003.
(AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)
AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File
Doug Fister pitched for the Washington Nationals in 2014 and 2015, going 21-13.
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Doug Jones won the special election in Alabama to replace Senator Jeff Sessions after Sessions became U.S. Attorney General.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
AP Photo/John Bazemore, File
NBC 4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer stands in front of the green screen in studio. The Herdon, Va. native joined the station in 2010.
(WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Rapper Doug E. Fresh is well-known for his collaboration with D.C.-based band Rare Essence.
(Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP)
Dan Friedell is a digital writer for WTOP. He came to the D.C. area in 2007 to work as digital editor for USATODAY.com, and since then has worked for a number of local and national news organizations.
