Liquor License Feed

District of Columbia liquor license types, in plain words

What each ABCA license or permit allows, in the statute's own words, with a note on who usually holds it. Every filing on the District of Columbia page is labeled this way.

Class C Restaurant · Class C Tavern · Class D Restaurant · Class B · Class C Hotel · Class A

Restaurant, beer, wine and spirits (Class C Restaurant)

[Class C] shall authorize the licensee to sell spirits, wine, and beer at the licensed establishment ... A restaurant license (R) shall be issued only for a restaurant.

A restaurant pouring cocktails, wine and beer.

Bar or tavern, beer, wine and spirits (Class C Tavern)

[Class C] shall authorize the licensee to sell spirits, wine, and beer at the licensed establishment ... A tavern license (T) shall be issued only for a tavern.

A bar or lounge, where drinks are the business.

Restaurant, beer and wine (Class D Restaurant)

[Class D] shall authorize the licensee to sell wine and beer at the licensed establishment ... A restaurant license (R) shall be issued only for a restaurant.

A restaurant pouring beer and wine, no spirits.

Grocery, beer and wine to go (Class B)

A retailer's license, class B, shall authorize a licensee to sell beer and wine.

A grocery or corner store selling sealed beer and wine.

Hotel, beer, wine and spirits (Class C Hotel)

[Class C] shall authorize the licensee to sell spirits, wine, and beer at the licensed establishment ... A hotel license (H) shall be issued only for a hotel license.

A hotel's bars, restaurants and room service.

Liquor store (Class A)

A retailer's license, class A, shall authorize a licensee to sell spirits, beer, and wine.

A liquor store selling sealed spirits, wine and beer.

Source: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/25-113, https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/25-112, https://abca.dc.gov/publications?keys=protest&type=All, checked 2026-11-04.

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