Details of the D.C. Nightspot Licensure Legislation

Legislation proposed by D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) would create a new license for nightspots, including restaurants offering entertainment, that serve patrons younger than 21 years old and sell alcohol after 11 p.m. To qualify for the license, establishments must provide a written security plan for approval by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration director. That plan must include:

· The number and location of security personnel;

· Procedures for identification checking and patron search;

· Procedures for ensuring that only people 21 years or older are served alcohol;

· Procedures for handling violent incidents and other emergencies;

· Procedures for crowd control;

· A statement of whether the establishment maintains an incident log;

· A statement on the type of training provided and completed by security personnel, including conflict resolution training.

In addition to reviewing the plan, the director would also review the applicant's incident record and the type of entertainment the establishment offers.

People younger than 21 who are exempted from the regulations include those involved in an emergency, working in the establishment and attending a private gathering where alcohol is neither sold nor served.

SOURCE: The Protection and Safety of Underage Persons Amendment Act