Investigations by the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) caused a commotion during the annual LGBTQ Halloween High Heel Race on the evening of October 24. This iconic event, held near Dupont Circle, drew thousands of spectators, and local bars and restaurants were buzzing with capacity crowds.
According to eyewitnesses, ABCA investigators intervened at several establishments along the 17th Street, N.W., stretch, where the race and costume celebration unfolded. They reportedly ordered some businesses to halt the sale of alcoholic beverages in their outdoor areas because they failed to prevent patrons from carrying their drinks onto the street and sidewalks.
ABCA Chief of Staff Jared J. Powell explained that under D.C. law, bars and restaurants serving alcoholic beverages must ensure that customers do not take their drinks off the premises. The investigators advised businesses not to allow this practice, emphasizing D.C. Code 25-113(a)(2)(A)(ii), which prohibits patrons from exiting licensed establishments with open containers of alcohol.
While the ABCA agents observed numerous violations, no citations or official warnings were issued to any of the visited businesses. This enforcement action has sparked debate, with some suggesting that the businesses may have been confused about whether the law applied to a large outdoor event with street closures.
Ann Blackwell, executive director of Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, noted that past events had not seen such crackdowns. The rules applied similarly, but enforcement had been lenient. The question now lingers – was this a misunderstanding or a shift in policy?
In the midst of the debate, it is evident that the incident at the Halloween High Heel Race has raised questions about the application of alcohol regulations at outdoor events in the District. The LGBTQ community, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, awaits further clarity on how such regulations will impact their future gatherings.
