Photo by dracisk

A proposed moratorium on the issuance of liquor licenses on and around the U Street area is falling flat with many of the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in the affected area.

Last night ANC 1B voted 10-0 against the moratorium, joining two other ANCs—6E and 2F—that have weighed on on the controversial proposal. One more ANC—2B—will vote on the matter before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board hears arguments for and against the moratorium on May 22.

The moratorium is being pushed by members of the Shaw Dupont Citizens Alliance, who argue that all the bars and restaurants on and around U Street have led to more trash and crime and fewer normal businesses that might attract daytime traffic. At a listening session hosted by four ANCs two weeks ago, though, backers of the proposal were overwhelmed by opponents, who argued that a moratorium would stifle the area’s vibrancy.

As proposed, the moratorium zone would extend 1,800 feet in every direction from a point near U and 13th Streets; the moratorium zone would extend from Clifton Street down to R Street and from 15th Street eastward to Georgia Avenue.