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Written by DCist contributor Christopher Durocher
Where’s a boy (or girl or girly boy or mannish woman or transgendered person, or anyone else for that matter) suppose to get a drink these days? It seems that organizations are coming out of the woodwork to keep D.C. residents and visitors from enjoying the beverages so crucial to the success and enjoyment of any social interaction. High profile clashes over liquor licenses have been common between local churches and gay and straight bars and clubs over the past few years, and it looks like other nosy neighbors have also been getting in on the act.
The Washington Blade reports that the Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) used a large portion of its 2005 revenues to oppose efforts by bars and restaurants to obtain liquor licenses in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, which is widely considered the center of the city’s gay culture and nightlife. Last year, the DCCA raised $41,957 through its annual tour of Dupont homes with “unique design, architecture, history, art and atrifacts.” Combined with membership dues and investment dividends the group had a total income of $53,370. In that same year, the group spent $22,563 on legal expenses to oppose various liquor license applications and support the renewal of a moratorium on new liquor licenses in the Dupont Circle area.
Over the past few years, the DCCA has gone before the D.C. Alcohol Beverage Control Board to oppose liquor license applications or renewals for a variety of establishments, including Hank’s Oyster Bar, a restaurant run by lesbian chef Jamie Leeds, as well as gay bars JR’s, Cobalt, DIK and Cada Vez.
In addition to teetotaling, the DCCA also works to preserve green spaces and historic sites, and promote the diversity of the Dupont Circle neighborhood (with the apparent exception of diverse watering holes). The 84-year old neighborhood organization has sponsored the annual house tour for the past 38 years. The 39th annual house tour is taking place on October 15, 2006.
According to the Washington Blade, advocates for gay nightlife have been trying to discourage local businesses and residents from supporting this year’s DCCA house tour, claiming that the event is a fundraiser for the organization’s temperance agenda. If you’re still interested in the tour (or if you hate those rowdy drunk kids urinating on the sidewalk in front of your house) you can purchase tickets before the event for $25 or on the day of the event for $30.
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This is a good thing! We don't want 17th street turning into the next Adams Morgan where people are trashed every night and causing trouble. If it was easy to get a liquor license, people might buy out the little boutiques and open trashy bars and restaurants.
That being said, I wish the restaurants on 17th were better. I'd say 8/10 of the restaurants suck major ass.
Well if you're opposed to rowdy drunk kids urinating in front of your house, I suggest you avoid Georgetown or Foggy Bottom bars, but I'd imagine we gays in Dupont who frequent the at risk bars are not pissing on people's houses since we have a bit more tact and class than an underage GW student. Or a dumbass drunk straight boy who didn't manage to drag some dumb blond home from Rumors.
The asinine straights who bought their overpriced houses from the gays who made Dupont respectable and desirable can keep the neighborhood. If JRs, Cobalt and the rest are smart, they will pick up and move out of that neighborhood. If the straights want it so bad, have it. There's plenty of DC left for the gays to clean up and make money off of.
Anon, You sound like a real jackass.
I am. And sick of the straights moving into neighborhoods and trying desperately to shut down the businesses there that have been there for decades simply because they don't like the clientele. Again, if you want quiet time, why'd you move to 17th street to begin with? Get a clue. You're in a city. Gay people live there. Get over it. Move to Fairfax if you want peace and quiet.
Besides the fact withholding liquor licensing for no reason other than discrimination based on clientele or perceived noise over which a bar has no control when it isn't happening inside the bar is about as un-American as it gets in my opinion. And anti-capitalist. You might as well move to Communist Cuba. The ANCs in DC are absolutely bogus and retarded.
To the person who doesn't want bars replacing the "boutiques" on 17th street:
Um, there's only ONE store on 17th (named, amazingly enough, Circle Boutique) that comes close to being a boutique.
17th Street has always been bars and restaurants and if you don't like it, stay in the suburbs!
dupont circle is overrated and overpriced.
I'm gonna betch slap these ANC shet bags.
Um anon? In my experience the majority of male GW undergrads are gay. I guess they must gain all that tact and class after graduation.
Don't these people in the ANC have anything better to do with their time than harass businesses that the majority of the people in the neighborhood WANT to exist? Stop power triping and playing politician and instead do something substantive that the majority of residents might actually like.
Here's a few ideas in case you get bored:
1) In case you didn't notice, Dupont Circle is a rat infested shit hole. Why don't you work on getting us some better pest control. This city is utterly fucking gross when it comes to rodents.
2) Dupont Circle (the actual circle, that is) is also a rat infested shit hole. In a neighborhood where the rent and taxes are so high, shouldn't we at least have a nice city park where residents can enjoy a fountain that isn't covered in algae 3/4 of the year, the grass is mowed, the trash cans are emptied and the smell of dog shit isn't overpowering?
3) Every summer it seems to come as a surprise to people that we have a crime wave. Why don't you organize a town watch like most common sense neighborhood organizations do? You apparently have lots of time on your hands, why not spend it patrolling the streets? It worked in Police Academy 3 after all.
I presume you'll ignore all of this though and simply go back to harassing everyone who tries to get a liquor license or open a new business. If that's the case, I'd like to suggest that you sell your fucking luxury condo and move to Rockville, asshole!
E - Non, they figured that out before graduation. Any Thursday night at Apex/Badlands can attest to that.
Anon does bring up a great point. I am equally frustrated with the heteros moving into Dupont Circle and then force change upon the neighborhood. Honestly, they move into condos across the street from open-seating bars and then complain about the noise. Would you move to 18th Street in Adams Morgan and complain about the noise?
There are other parts of Dupont Circle, away from 17th Street that these people can move into.
I am a big mo althought I don't live in Dupont Circle.
DCCA has been around for years, and this article could have been written 10 years ago. It's nothing new. It's not as if all the "heteros" are suddenly moving into the neighborhood and changing things, I'm sure theres a few mos in the DCCA organization.
I do agree that on the one hand, I don't want 17th street to ever resemble 18th in Adams Morgan, but damn it sure would be nice to have some more decent restaurants there.
Wow. This post really set some knees a-jerking. For starters: To those who find it convenient to view this issue through the lense of identity politics, it's worth considering that many of the protestants themselves are both long time Dupont residents and are themselves gay.
DCCA and ANC2B (and various "groups of 5") protest less than 5% of ABC licenses within Dupont. The reality is that 95% of ABC license applications sail right through. Those we do reliably protest are 1) located in liquor moratorium zone AND/OR 2) have outdoor seating AND 3) are adjacent or very close to where resident’s sleep. The absence of one or more of these conditions makes it much less likely residents will try to put any restrictions on how the owners of the business might want to operate it.
These protests are about ensuring those restaurants and taverns that do want to open and operate outdoor cafes very close to where people sleep do so under certain enforceable conditions. First among them is that they close the outdoor portion of their businesses at 11 PM on work nights, and 12 AM on Friday and Saturday. Those hours either correspond to or are more generous than the DC noise regs. Lacking protest, an outdoor watering hole might decide to operate to 2 AM Mon-Thurs and 3 AM Fri-Sat. Again, this is in residential areas. Late night outdoor drinking on the sidewalk probably wouldn’t be a problem at, for example, Connecticut and M, but it would be at, for example, 18th and S.
DCCA and ANC2B’s reasons for protesting aren't tee-totaling or discrimination. They're a modest appreciation for peace order and quiet, and an appreciation of total diversity, and not a sole fixation on watering hole diversity. These protests and the agreements that result from them represent a good real-world attempt to accommodate many interests. It really is a shame that special interests want to paint this as an identity politics issue. It's also, frankly, ignorant of people to tell those who've lived in Dupont for many years to move if they don't like the noise.
Amen, Mark! You have a way with words and have summed it up nicely:
"DCCA and ANC2B’s reasons for protesting aren't tee-totaling or discrimination. They're a modest appreciation for peace order and quiet, and an appreciation of total diversity, and not a sole fixation on watering hole diversity."
That was basically my point. And by "boutiques", I meant small "ma and pa" stores like the hardware store, Housewares, Steamers (?), etc. I like having a street to shop, eat, and drink on, not just drink on.
Keep up the good work DCCA!
Mark,
Move if you don't like the noise.
It's very simple, really.
Daniel:
It seems simple to me, too. Piss off, you move.
Mark,
I'm not the one foolishly attempting to re-create colonial Williamsburg in Dupont Circle. The DCCA could be doing a lot more productive things for the neighborhood than harrassing businesses that were there BEFORE you.
So, you want quiet? You want a suburban experience? Move!
Daniel
Daniel:
I've lived on 17th since most of the 20-something crowd (might that include you?) was in grade school. I was there before them, and I'll be there after them. I'm sure it would be nice for you if I sold my house and moved, but since that's not going to happen, you’ll have to deal with me, and those like me.
The reality is that since we're all here now, we'll all need to get along. You can either choose to be part of those efforts, or you can choose to go your own way. What’s so outrageous with new licenses stopping sidewalk alcohol service at 11 PM work nights, anyway? Even most of the business owners agree with that provision.
The bottom line, Daniel, is that civilization is made of people who demonstrate a decent respect for others. And that requires compromise. You can either appreciate, or even learn, that fine art, or you can continue your ineffectual bitching about modest infringements on your absolute liberty.
Mark and Dan----take it off the comments section to email. you're not adding anything to the discussion at this point.
Mark,
Could this be you? http://www.dupontcircleanc.net/2B05.htm
Good to see our ANC Commissioners telling a Dupont resident/homeowner to "piss off." Mark, as a commissioner you should be balancing the interests of everyone in the neighborhood - not just your own. What licenses on 17th does the ANC not protest? Oh, that's right. You have knee-jerk opposition to them all!
Like it or not, you live in a city and along with city-living comes noise and nightlife. Why is that tough to understand?
And you may have lived on 17th for 20 years but Trios has been around for much, much longer.
Daniel
Nice try, Daniel.
I actually moved to Dupont FROM Rockville in order to enjoy a true city experience. Sorry, DCCA, your argument rings hollow. It's not like restaurants and bars suddenly popped up on the 17th St. strip in the past 5 years or so, so it's outrageous for residents to claim that patrons disturb the peace in the neighborhood. If you moved here, you knew what you were getting into.
I think the majority of the people who move to the area do so precisely BECAUSE they want to be near places where they can talk to friends, have a bite to eat, meet like-minded people, and even have a drink from time to time. And they pay a premium to do so in terms of rents, mortgages, insurance, etc.
I live right off 17th St. Even on weekend nights, I'd HARDLY say that people are loud. Hasn't anyone been to New York?
And I agree with the posters that expressed a desire for better restaurants. Hanks, Komi, and Sushi Taro are a godsend.
second warning guys---take it off the board.
Actually, I think it's a nice illustration of the tensions inherent in the conflicts that are important to a lot of DCist readers, Hemal. Compared to some of the inane discussions that go on for days here, it's downright educating.
Anyway, you paying by the electron, or something?
Mark, your words sound reasonable, but the numbers in Hemal's article tell a different story. Perhaps you could address why almost half of the DCCA budget is spent on protesting liquor licenses. Perhaps you could address why DCCA seems to have such a narrow scope (as Steve addressed in his post, the DCCA doesn't seem interesteed in quality of life issues outside of those noisy noisy liquor drinkers).
You know, the last time I visited New Orleans, there was a renovated townhouse right off of Bourbon Street. The owner had put up a sign that said, "Please remember that people live in this neighborhood". That struck me as pretty stupid on their part. Bourbon Street has been a wild, crazy, noisy street for centuries---who would buy a house there, then bitch about the noise? The same thing strikes me about Dupont Circle. Dupont has had nightlife for decades--who moves there and bitches about the noise? It's not like P Street or 17th have been quiet streets for the past 30 years. It's not like people just started gathering on Connecticut. Sure, ensure that those streets that are already quiet residential streets stay quiet and residential. But please, Mark, don't pass the DCCA off as the voice of reason when they call for the respect of residential space but then have no respect for the rest of the neighborhood.
This is the same debate that raged when the straights started to move en masse into the Mission and Castro hoods in San Fran back in the 90s. The straights always follow the gays.
"I'm not the one foolishly attempting to re-create colonial Williamsburg in Dupont Circle"
Colonial Williamsburg?
I really don't have a dog in this fight, but come on. If you're going to fight over the public space, at least keep the discourse to a grown-up level. Until people start applying for Blacksmith licenses and printing presses spring up issue pamphlets denouncing the tyrannical rule of King George III, I think saying this group is trying to create Colonial Williamsburg is just childish.
This fight goes on in every single neighborhood of this city. There's nothing new here except a concerted effort on the part of the restaurants to cut off the funding of their rivals. That should be the title of this post: "Industry Group Tries to Dry Up Funding For Long Time Foe."
My complaint is that the ANC isn't helping, and is often hurting, the kinds of independent, local businesses that can transform an abandoned neighborhood or a trashy, low-rent neighborhood into a thriving, tax-paying, exciting one. Case in point, Hank's Oyster Bar, who struggled to get a liquor license. And of course, Vegetate, though the neighborhood is different the issue is the same. They sure make it easy for chain drugstores, Starbucks, and other souless businesses. But if alcohol is involved, nevermind the caliber of patron or the entreprenurial spirit of locals, the bad outweighs the good for those who call the shots. It is short sighted and destructive and will leave this city with little to be proud of.
Reid,
It's much more than an industry group. Many Dupont residents, such as myself, are fed up with the anti-business tactics of the neighborhood ANC and DCCA.
Daniel
This has been a fun morning to log onto DCist. A gay Colonial Williamsburg - now that would be a tourist draw!
Sorry, Hemal, I missed your post asking Daniel and I to take it off thread. My apologies.
Robis and S:
I can't, won't, and am not even inclined to defend everything DCCA (or anyone) has done. But if any locals want to work on issues like: rats, trash, trees, historic preservation, safety, or just about anything, there's an under-staffed DCCA committee waiting for you. Also, Dupont Circle has a Mainstreets organization (which is composed of both businesses and DCCA members) that could use some volunteers, too. What's the saying? Stop bitching and start a revolution?
Cheers, all.
Are there not enough drinking establishments on 17th street already? And is it hard to walk up to Adams Morgan, or over to Connecticut, or over to 14th & P? There are plenty of options out there.
What I'd love to see (and I don't understand why there aren't more of these in DC) are BYO's. In Philly there are countless amazing restaurants that allow you to bring your own wine or beer which is great because it's cheaper and you don't end up drinking bad wine that most restaurants around here serve (not including Hank's).
What's the saying? Stop bitching and start a revolution?
I don't know if cleaning up dog poop in Dupont Circle is really a revolution, but your point stands.
The "if you don't like it, move" argument is no more valid in this thread than it is when people discuss the crime in Shaw or the lack of a Whole Foods in Columbia Heights.
The fact is that Dupont is neither an exclusively residential neighborhood nor an exclusively commercial neighborhood. All factions need to compromise in oder to coexist. The neighborhood needs to maintain a healthy balance of residential, retail, and nightlife in order to thrive.
And these ANC members were elected to represent your interests. If you feel as if they are not doing that, vote them out of office. Run for a seat yourself.
Let's not start the BYO argument again. Take care to look up the license factors behind BYO and the history of the Temperance movement.
I'd say DCCA overreaches, and has a history of doing so, in claiming to represent everyone in a certain area. They can only do that if everyone else is silent.
I think the ANC and DCCA members should take note of the strong feelings expressed in these comments. It appears to me that the scorched earth policy you've been employing toward liquor licenses and new businesses has reached a boiling point among the public. It is readily apparent to me based on this thread and on conversations with people in the neighborhood that the vast majority of residents DO NOT support you in these protests. If you are supposed to be representatives of the people, then represent us appropriately!
Personally, I hear more noise coming out of these new luxury condoes when owners throw parties than I do out of some bars and restuarants. Don't even get me started on trash trucks and deliveries occurring at 6am.
Steve, I'd be leery of taking the opinions expressed here as representative of the feelings of residents as a whole. Many people want a vibrant nightlife in their neighborhood, they also want the establishment to take responsibility for what happens in and around their establishment. Do I think a bar is responsible for a crime committed six blocks away? No. But do I think that a bar or restaurant should be responsible for keeping the sidwalk out front free of litter and passable to pedestrians blocked by their patrons? Absolutely. This isn't about the violation of civil liberties or a restarint of trade. It's about taking responsiblity for your business and the headaches it could create for your neighbors. It's about existing in a community and respecting others who live in the commununity. It's about being a good neighbor.
By the way, I'm not some NIMBY who just moved to the area. I've been a resident and property owner in this neighborhood for 15 years. I enjoy a vibrant nightlife and what it brings to a community. That's why I put up with the inconveniences that sometimes arise from having that nightlife. Plus, I spent the better part of the 90s bartending in Georgetown, so I've tasted my share of an ANCs wrath. It's not tasty.
E,
I can't really think of any business on 17th St that doesn't keep it's sidewalk clean or that could be described as unruly. If there were such a problem, I would be the first to agree with you. I think the major complaint I here from people about these businesses is that their food sucks.
Plus, how would such an argument apply to a business like Hank's or Fab Lounge which were being protested before they even opened??
Heres another example of ANC antics:
When the smoking ban goes into effect, there will undoubtedly be more people crowding the sidewalks and making noise. The owner of the Black Cat on 14th St. proposed opening a roof top deck to keep smokers off the sidewalk and. I thought this was a very good idea which would eliminate the problem. Lo and behold, the Logan Circle ANC opposes the roof top deck and is threatening to take their license away. Is this really about keeping the neighborhood quieter or is it just about the ANC flexing their perceived political muscle and hurting people's businesses, sometimes before they even have a chance to open?
Another example of the ANC playing bully:
They demanded that Trio's remove the roll-up patio curtains that protect patrons from the rain and cold.
How are these curtains hurting the neighborhood?!?
Cada Vez?
If Cada Vez was anywhere near Dupont Circle, I might agree to their jurisdiction. But DCCA needs to stay out of neighboring areas.
In a perfect world, some of the nightlife supporters might want to start their own organization...it would be fun and would have lots of bar night fundraisers
hmm,I really like that idea...kind of a different neighborhood association. One likely run by and for younger adults in the area that can address the same issues that DCCA ignores and could oppose DCCA if they get out of line.
just typing to the world now, the idea is getting a bit mroe focused...it's an IMBY organization that focuses on what citizens do want in their back yard., since neighborhood associations are generally focused on rpeserving sertain aspects of communities, IMBY would focus on promoting things it found to be positive in its backyard.
it would need not to be dependent on either the trad. neighborhood assn. or developers, but not be afraid to side with one, the other or take it's own stance on things.
aren't ideas fun?
Steve, ANCs usually automatically oppose a liquor license when an application is filed in order to come to a voluntary agreement with the owners. It's pretty standard, from what I know. If they don't oppose the license in the beginning, they really have no leverage when it comes to negotiating with the owners for things they want. I think most times these voluntary agreements work out pretty well for all concerned (with exceptions).
However, I agree - and stated above - that sometimes ANCs go overboard in flexing their muscle. Hank's is a prime example of that. And I can think of quiet a few more examples of idiocy on the part of the ANC. But these voluntary agreements make sure that the establishments keep the neighborhood clean, and make sure that their patrons don't get unruly, etc.
I don't think either side should be allowed to operate unchecked. It's human nature to think "Well, I got away with that. Let's see if I can get away with this."
The problem lies in that there are basically three people (are there three commissioners for each ANC?) that try to have the final say about everything that happens in the neighborhood. That's why it's imporant we all sure our ANC commisioner knows exactly how we feel about all matters affecting us. Hell, they signed up to represent us. I have no problem bugging them.
And I doubt you'll get any argument about the lack of good dining options on 17th street. Our problem isn't a lack of quantity, it's a lack of quality. I can't understand why Food Bar is still open. It's such a great space for such lousy food and service.
sws:
I think that's a great idea. Whatever gets more people more involved.
Daniel (with apologies to Hemal):
You are simply wrong. ANC 2B did not ask Trio to remove their curtains. Anyone who wants confirmation of this can ask George, the owner of Trio.
Steve and E:
As E noted, DC liquor laws are not ideal, and the only real leverage a community has is when the license is applied for. If there is a complaint down the road (outside of something dramatic and political, like a murder), the best realistic scenario is that it takes years of expensive hearings to resolve. Sure, 2B protested Hank's over their applied for 2 AM/3AM sidewalk hours, but 2B also took pains to work things out quickly so she could open in a timely fashion. The intent of the majority in DCCA, and all of 2B, was never to stop Hank's from opening. Anyone who wants confirmation of this should read the press reports from that time, and ask Jamie Leeds, the owner.
Apparently there's a stipulation on the liquor licence at the Whole Foods on P between 14th and 15th that prevents them from selling singles of beer! Even though there are like 4 liquor stores within a block that can sell singles. What's the point of that? They can sell single bottles of wine! And it's not like they're going to be selling $1.50 40s of malt liquor like the corner stores. They'll start selling the Chimay 750s and other top-tier Belgians singlely, which I currently have to buy three at a time at $25!
This city's liquor laws are ridiculous. Vegetate still doesn't have a liquor licence!
Mark,
As an ANC Commissioner, you are on the record as voicing oppositon to establishments ranging from takeout joints to much-needed quality restaurants such as Hank's to Lucky Bar's request to serve beer a little earlier during the World Cup.
My point, and it sounds like a few other people agree, is that ANC's have gone way too far in their over-regulation of liquor licenses and need to take a step back. Yes, bars and restaurants should be responsive to the needs of the neighborhood, but there should be a balance. We need them - our neighborhood would be rather lame without them. Too often, the Dupont ANC conducts itself as if it fails to realize this.
Amen to your last post, Daniel!
In addition to voting these people out of office, I think we also need to convince City Council to limit the authority or dramatically alter the authority the ANCs have over businesses and liquor licenses.
Daniel:
Last round of posts on this, please.
It's clear that we disagree on the facts on the ground in Dupont. For example, 2B did not try to take away Trio's side curtains, nor did 2B in practice stop Lucky Bar's World Cup festivities. We also disagree on how the ABC process works city-wide. For example, you seem either to not understand or not recognize that a protest vote does not necessarily equate to a vote to keep a place from opening, or if is already open, to shut it down. In fact, a protest vote is usually simply a placeholder for negotiations.
None the less, I'm glad that you wrote: "Yes, bars and restaurants should be responsive to the needs of the neighborhood, but there should be a balance. We need them - our neighborhood would be rather lame without them." I'm glad because that has been my basic position all along, and so it seems possible there might be grounds for (at least some) mutual respect and agreement.
Here and now, let's try to respect Hemal's request. Please accept my personal invitation to get involved in meaningful way in the process. Sure, it's often tedious and everyone has better things to do but, as a resident, your voice would be welcome. Moreover, since you evidently care, it is actually your responsibility.
I think we also need to convince City Council to limit the authority or dramatically alter the authority the ANCs have over businesses and liquor licenses.
I disagree. From my vantage point on the universe, the whole point of having ANCs is so that people who live in the neighborhoods affected by these decisions are the ones making them, not faceless bureaucrats in the Wilson building. If there were no ANCs people would be bitching that decisions regarding liquor licenses should be made at the neighborhood level.
Hill Rat said: From my vantage point on the universe, the whole point of having ANCs is so that people who live in the neighborhoods affected by these decisions are the ones making them, not faceless bureaucrats in the Wilson building.
My response would be that as a resident across the street, I don't really see how you should have any say at all in what a business does across from you. It's not your property. Either the law should say all businesses in the city are treated equally in regards to outdoor seating or liquor licensing or any other regulation imposed on them, OR none of them should be regulated at all. ANCs are absurd. You're welcome to write letters with concerns but your concerns should not impede business. I can understand not wanting loud drinkers right across from your bedroom window and though I could make the argument you live in a city so get over it, I won't. I will say the laws in DC that deal with such matters are all businesses should feel compelled to obey rather than have their business affected by a bunch of fuddy duddies who now that they've lived there 15 years and are too damned old to stay up and party all night, they want everyone else to go home and knit and read the Bible. If you moved across from 17th street in the last 20+ years, you have no right to complain about people drinking outdoors because its been happening for decades. And to restrict new businesses from coming in and increasing the value of your neighborhood (and your property) is not only ignorant but about as socialist as it gets. 11pm on a weeknight is silly as a cutoff for outside patio drinking. Not everyone works at 8am and is off by 6pm. Not everyone has yoru schedule. Nor should they feel compelled to have it. However, because we are living in a democracy, I think the city should have a solid set of laws in how to handle this process without the nitpicking that goes on from ANCs. As a citizen, you're welcome to vote for people who share your thoughts, but I'd imagine if an open vote came to everyone who lives and does business on 17th street, you'd sadly be only the losing end. Unfortunately as a patron and non-resident of 17th street, my opinion doesn't count as much as your's. Which is exactly why businesses have these issues with their neighbors. They only care about themselves and not the good of the city. It's anti-business, anti-capitalist, anti-democratic and anti-American to try everything you can to restrict business in pursuit of your own personal preferences. You have a choice, move elsewhere if its too loud for you. Or buy the bar across the street and do what you want with it. You might own your property and somehow feel entitled, but so does that bar owner across the street. He worked as hard as you to be in the neighborhood. Neighborhoods change, so do the people in them. If 17th becomes a booming hot spot of bars and restaurants, so be it. I can't see it happening and the talk on here that it might is silly. It hasn't changed one bit in the 10 years I've lived in this city. If it does, hey that's more tax revenue for this city that I don't have to have taken out of my paycheck every damned week.
Copperred, you said:
Let's not start the BYO argument again. Take care to look up the license factors behind BYO and the history of the Temperance movement.
Got a link? Otherwise, I don't know what you're driving at here. When I lived in Chicago, this was a great way for dinky little restaurants to get up and running, and for relatively impecunious patrons to enjoy a civilized meal.
Amen, District Selectman! I had to look up the word "impecunious" (and will promptly forget the definition), but I agree, BYO's are a great way for small restaurants to concentrate on the quality of their food and not worry about liquor licenses and serving sub-par wine. I don't miss many things about Philly, but that's one of them.
Question: Are restaurants prohibited from being BYOB? HR-57 seems to pull it off.
As the President of DCCA, I can assure you that all these ABC decisions are made with great care by the DCCA Board that is elected by the large membership. Please try to take as much care when commenting on issues. The ABC laws are written to be very neighbor-involvement intensive - that's the way it is. We have 9 standing committees and ABC is only one part of the Regulataory Committee. We're doing a lot a good and we're listening.
I used to be an ANC Commissioner. The Dupont Commission is one of the most highly-regarded, hard-working, and responsive in the city. DCCA usually follows the ANC's lead on ABC matters. Dupont wouldn't be the great place it is if not for the volunteers who are making these decisions. Dupont has 1/5th of all the ABC-licensed establishments in the city and every one those licenses certainly are NOT protested. If you take the time to look at these issues, you'll likely end up understanding if not agreeing. Thank you.
sws, There was an organization called DC Nightlife Coalition. However, that's out of commission.
My complaint is that the ANC isn't helping, and is often hurting, the kinds of independent, local businesses that can transform an abandoned neighborhood or a trashy, low-rent neighborhood into a thriving, tax-paying, exciting one. Case in point, Hank's Oyster Bar, who struggled to get a liquor license. And of course, Vegetate, though the neighborhood is different the issue is the same. They sure make it easy for chain drugstores, Starbucks, and other souless businesses. But if alcohol is involved, nevermind the caliber of patron or the entreprenurial spirit of locals, the bad outweighs the good for those who call the shots. It is short sighted and destructive and will leave this city with little to be proud of.
WHO WROTE THIS? I AM LOOKING FOR HELP IN TAKING UP VEGETATE'S CAUSE..
Anon - There are these new things called "paragraphs", they help you organize your thoughts and make it easier for other people to read what you write.
I was simply weighing in with my opinion on why ANC involvement in the liquor licensing process is a good thing. I don't live anywhere near 17th, so your little potshots about me feeling "entitled" and so forth are wildly off the mark.
I agree with anyone who feels that the ANC's are over the top Nudges. They are suppressing the development of the area. Making DC a half-ass city. Any one with an original idea but a limited budget can't get started with these people. What they are doing to Vegetate is a shame. A beautiful space with tons of venerable potential being inhibited by these, these NERDS!!