WASHINGTON – For the first time in almost two decades, new bars will be able to apply for or possibly buy tavern licenses in historic Georgetown because of a drop in the number of licensed establishments.
D.C. law limits the number of tavern licenses in the Georgetown Historic District and freezes the transfer or sale of those licenses when six or more bars operate in the neighborhood. Just five taverns are currently operating in Georgetown after the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board cancelled the license for Saloun late last month.
Saloun, previously located at 3239 M St. NW, did not renew its license by the deadline, according to the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.
Taverns currently operating in the district can now transfer their license to new owners or new locations in the neighborhood. Restaurants could also apply to become a tavern or a nightclub while the restrictions are lifted.
A freeze on transfers will resume once D.C. grants the sixth license.
Applications for tavern and nightclub licenses are available through the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.
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