Photo by Erin.
A new law went into effect on Saturday, after the mandatory Congressional review period, that creates several new types of liquor permits.
The city’s slew of new distilleries can now apply for a license that allows them to mix up cocktails made with their products and sell them on site, according to the District’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. Wineries can similarly apply for a permit that allows them to pour a glass of their wines to customers on site (although D.C. currently isn’t home to any, New York-based Brooklyn Winery is working on bringing a winery to Southeast). Previously, only breweries were allowed to serve their brews on site.
And, yes, bakeries can now apply for a license that allows them to lightly drench baked goods in up to 5 percent alcohol. If cupcakes or other confections are made with anywhere from .5 percent to 5 percent booze, they may only be sold to people who are 21 or older.
Festival organizers can also now obtain a temporary liquor license for up to 15 days at a time—rather than the current system, where they’d need to get multiple one-day permits for events that last longer than a day.
Rachel Sadon