License Types

ABRA issues seven types of licenses:

On-premises retailer. Establishments at which alcoholic beverages may be consumed only on the premises. On-premises retailers include restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, hotels, multipurpose facilities (e.g. theaters, sports facilities), and common carriers (passenger-carrying ships and trains).

Off-premises retailer. Liquor stores and grocery stores—businesses at which alcoholic beverages are purchased for off-premises consumption.

ABC Manager. An individual certified to manage one or more ABC establishments.

Wholesaler. Sells alcoholic beverages to other DC licensees for resale.

Caterer. Sells and serves alcohol at catered events as part of the licensee’s preparation and service of food products.

Solicitor. Licensee who may serve any alcoholic beverage on behalf of the vendor whose name appears upon the license and whom the solicitor represents.

Temporary. Authorizes non-licensees to temporarily sell/serve alcoholic beverages at special events such as banquets and block parties.

License Classes

License “Class” generally refers to the type of alcoholic beverage that may be sold/served at a particular establishment. Licensees are assigned to classes ranging from A to G. On an establishment’s ABC license, License Classes are listed in such a way to indicate:

- Type of establishment, e.g. restaurant (R)
- License Class (A, B, C, etc.)
- Capacity (e.g. "01" refers to a capacity of 1-99 patrons; "02" is a capacity of 100-199)

So for example, a restaurant with a capacity of 150 that serves beer, wine, and spirits would be designated as a CR-02 establishment.

Classes A and B
License Classes A and B apply to off-premises retailers—liquor stores, grocery stores, and wholesalers.

Class A (liquor stores, wholesalers): may sell beer, wine, and spirits
Class B (grocery stores, wholesalers): may sell beer and wine only

Classes C and D
License Classes C and D apply to on-premises retailers such as restaurants, taverns, and hotels

Class C: may sell/serve beer, wine, and spirits
Class D: may sell/serve beer and wine only

Classes F and G
License Classes F and G apply to temporary licenses, which authorize non-licensees to temporarily sell/serve alcoholic beverages for up to four consecutive days.

Class F: may sell/serve beer and wine
Class G: may sell/serve beer, wine, and spirits