Lots of interesting happenings at last night's ANC2f meeting that I'll get to in another post, but for now I wanted to pass along what was likely the biggest news of the evening.
Last night, the Logan Circle ANC voted unanimously that they would withhold any protests against most neighborhood establishments who have voluntary agreements with the ANC who petition ABRA for an operating hours extension during the inaugural weekend.
Not every establishment might be able to benefit from this vote however, as the ANC indicated that they would reserve the right to protest any establishment located north of L Street that had outstanding complaints filed against it (by the ANC). Additionally, the ANC singled out oft-criticized Shaw nightclub "The Space" and indicated that they would file a protest should that club file for an hours extension. (More on that in a later post.)
This is very good news for area businesses who won't be forced to operate at a disadvantage against other District establishments. Additionally, kudos to the ANC for maintaining some perspective and using common sense in deciding this.
The decision didn't come without some controversy, but not from the angle you would expect. It seems that businesses who had applied for an hours extension through ABRA were told that they should show up at the ANC meeting in order to obtain the ANC's blessing and a letter indicating that a protest would not be filed against them. Upon learning that the ANC was prepared to move forward with motion that would cover essentially ALL neighborhood businesses, and not just those in attendance at the meeting, several objections were raised. Be Bar's representative was the most vocal; he practically through a fit during an exchange with Chairman Charles Reed where he complained that he had to spend his time at the meeting while others who did not would enjoy the same benefits. Life just isn't fair sometimes, but it seems some people haven't gotten the message. (Strangely, ANC Commissioner Dustin Cole took up this ridiculous argument, unnecessarily prolonging the discussion by at least 5-10 minutes.)
In the end, common sense prevailed and it seems that most Logan Circle establishments will be allowed to keep their lights on and their taps flowing for a few extra hours over the inauguration weekend. So, cheers to that. [clink] [clink]
Thursday, January 8, 2009
ANC2f Votes For Across-the-Board Exemptions on Inaugural Weekend Hour Restrictions
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5 comments:
I missed the vote of the extended hours, but I'm glad it went the way it did. I think businesses that follow rules and benefit the community should absolutely be allowed to benefit from the Inauguration. I hope Modern Liquors, BeBar, Aziz's, Perfect Cup, Old Dominion Brewery, and any other business reaps great rewards. As for "the space". I'm interested to read your blog, but that is good news for me.
Mikey-
Was that you who spoke last night at the ANC meeting? If so, shoot us an email, we'd like to chat with you.
I agree with Mikey -- I hope the businesses profit from this. I am concerned about the businesses near the Convention Center lockdown zone. I plan on trying to buy from them specifically during that weekend, in order to make up for any shortfall they might have from a lack of outside customers.
I did speak at the ANC meeting and you be happy to chat with you. I e-mailed you at 14thandYou@gmail.com.
If that is wrong please let me know how to contact you.
This is a fantastic and unexpected act of reasonableness and generosity from this ANC - - a departure from its usual modus operandi when it comes to its "voluntary agreements" with alcohol licensees. (Of course, they aren't the only ANC that irritates me.) I have long been irritated with this ANC's blue-nose mentality, dating all the way back to the original Green Lantern back in the mid-to-late 1990s, so I am happy on this occasion to commend them.
The equitable treatment of liquor licencees is the single most important issue on which I vote for ANC commissioners (though, obviously, it is not the only one).
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