Is alcohol legal in District of Columbia?

Q: Is alcohol legal in District of Columbia?

Alcohol in District of Columbia is legal only under specific conditions. The District of Columbia is not a control state: spirits, beer and wine are sold at private Class A liquor stores, while grocery and convenience stores hold Class B licenses limited to beer and wine only (no spirits). ABCA is the regulator.

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Conditional: The District of Columbia is not a control state: spirits, beer and wine are sold at private Class A liquor stores, while grocery and convenience stores hold Class B licenses limited to beer and wine only (no spirits).

Conditional

Summary

The District of Columbia is not a control state: spirits, beer and wine are sold at private Class A liquor stores, while grocery and convenience stores hold Class B licenses limited to beer and wine only (no spirits). ABCA is the regulator.

Source: abca.dc.gov → · Updated July 23, 2026

District of Columbia Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in District of Columbia →Info
In the District of Columbia the per se limit for adults is 0.08% blood alcohol (DC Code 50-2206.11), and drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance rule: any measurable alcohol counts as "intoxicated."
Open Container Law in District of Columbia →Restricted
In the District of Columbia it is unlawful to drink or to possess an open container of alcohol in any public space, including in a vehicle on a public street, whether moving or parked.
Sunday Alcohol Sales in District of Columbia →Permitted
Sunday sales are permitted in the District of Columbia, where off-premises Class A and Class B retailers may generally sell from 7 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
Last Call Hours in District of Columbia →Info
In the District of Columbia, on-premises service runs to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with 4 a.m. allowed around major holidays.
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in District of Columbia →Permitted
In the District of Columbia, full-service grocery stores sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, but spirits require a liquor store.
Where to Buy Alcohol in District of Columbia →Conditional
The District of Columbia is not a control state: spirits, beer and wine are sold at private Class A liquor stores, while grocery and convenience stores hold Class B licenses limited to beer and wine only (no spirits).

Other District of Columbia laws

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