Photo by philliefan99

As ABRA tweeted earlier today, a law that went into effect last year allows D.C. bars and restaurants to, if they so choose, stay open for an additional hour of alcoholic beverage service the night before any D.C. or federal holiday. And since Friday is Emancipation Day, and D.C. government and schools will be closed, that means Thursday night could see a number of bars taking advantage and staying open until 3 a.m., as if it were a regular weekend night.

Now, not every bar will actually be allowed to take advantage. Many, if not all newer bars in the city have voluntary agreements in place with ANCs and/or neighborhood associations that limit certain aspects of how they can operate. If a voluntary agreement restricts the hours during which a bar or restaurant can stay open, then that would actually supercede the D.C. holiday extension rule.

So ask your favorite bartender whether they think they’ll be staying open late tomorrow night.