Photo by poppyott

For the first time in five years, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has voted to modify a moratorium on liquor licenses in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, a release states, allowing for new restaurants to apply for one.

But the 14-year-old moratorium is still in effect for Adams Morgan nightclubs and taverns, though the Board voted to review the matter again in three years instead of the usual five years.

The decision to lift the moratorium for restaurants comes from a recommendation by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C, who originally filed their proposed changes to the moratorium in February. The changes are also consistent with a proposal by the Kalorama Citizens Association, issued in March, and a request from Mayor Vince Gray’s office.

Additionally, the Board voted to keep all other provisions of the moratorium in place: the moratorium zone continues to extend 1,400 feet in all directions from the intersection of Belmont Road NW and 18th Street NW; no tavern or multipurpose facility can be issued more than ten licenses; no restaurants can change their license class (unless there’s less than 10 taverns within the zone); and a restaurant outside of the moratorium zone can’t transfer its license to one inside.

In its written statement, the seven-person Board says that “like the ANC, the Board believes that if managed properly, a thriving and safe nightlife can act as an economic engine by attracting new businesses and restaurants, diversifying the range of cultural offerings, creating employment opportunities, and increasing tourism,” and added that they’re “in agreement with the ANC that a new direction for the Adams Morgan moratorium that allows for responsible growth is warranted.”

The decision is effective immediately on an emergency basis, but is still subject to a 30-day public comment period and still needs final approval from the D.C. Council.