The D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Works and the Environment voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward on legislation that would place a 3-year moratorium on single sales of alcohol at stores located between 700 to 1400 block of H Street, NE — the same area that developers have dubbed “The Atlas District,” which is now home to a number of new bars and restaurants. The proposal still requires approval by the Council, but the committee’s vote will allow the legislation to be placed on the agenda on July 10. Should the Council approve the measure, the moratorium could go into effect as early as August.

“For too long, we’ve had individuals using our curbsides and sidewalks as open-air bars. We’ve seen the effect a singles ban can have in other neighborhoods. I’m proud to support the ANC and residents to put the moratorium in effect and begin calming the chaos on H Street, NE,” said Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) in a statement.

Council member Wells’ office also released crime numbers from the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, where a similar ban was put into effect four years ago, that the MPD says show the effectiveness of this type of legislation. Mount Pleasant has seen a 41 percent reduction in total calls for MPD service and a 51 percent reduction in calls complaining of disorderly conduct since the ban was put in place.

Photo by erin m