WASHINGTON — A total of 108 restaurants, bars, hotels and nightclubs in D.C. have registered to serve alcohol later than usual during the week of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, according to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.
D.C. establishments that registered with ABRA, including popular spots ranging from the Old Ebbitt Grill and Le Diplomate to the 930 Club, are authorized to sell and serve alcohol until 4 a.m. and operate up to 24 hours a day from Saturday, Jan. 14, to Sunday, Jan. 22, said ABRA spokesman Jessie Cornelius.
While some businesses registered for the full nine-day period, others chose to apply for only a few days, Cornelius said. ABRA encourages patrons to check directly with businesses during inaugural week to get the most accurate operating hours.
A complete list of registered businesses is available at inauguration.dc.gov.
This extension in operating and alcohol-serving hours is a chance for out-of-town visitors to get a taste of D.C., Cornelius said.
“People visit the District from across the country to participate in inaugural events,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for the District to showcase all of the great restaurants, bars, hotels and nightlife that the District has to offer.”
With registration still comes the requirement that restaurants must keep their kitchens open at least two hours before closing, Cornelius said.
“A good example of that is any registered restaurant that is selling alcohol until 4 a.m. would need to sell food until 2 a.m.,” she said.
This year’s registration total is lower than the total in 2013, when 160 businesses registered with ABRA for inaugural week, Cornelius said. Even more businesses took part in 2009, with a total of 280 registered.
The registration deadline was Jan. 9, and businesses had to submit a registration form as well as a public safety plan to ABRA.
“The public safety plan includes information from establishments on their procedures on ensuring that intoxicated persons and minors are not served alcoholic beverages,” Cornelius said.
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report.
