Will Shaw Ban Liquor Licenses?

Shaw is back in the news this week after a fatal shooting left two people dead and five wounded at P & 16th Street NW. It happened almost 30 years ago to the day of a similar attack in the same area.

To tamp down crime and noise, a group of Shaw residents want to ban new liquor licenses on 9th Street NW on the block just south of U Street NW. They submitted a petition to implement the three-year moratorium, complaining that the dozens of bars on the street are affecting their quality of life.

What This Means

Essentially, the city would stop issuing new liquor licenses for that block. The moratorium would also affect transferring licenses. Right now, there are at least two other neighborhoods with moratoriums: Adams Morgan, and Langdon Park.

The Pro-Moratorium Side

“It really seems to me to be neighbors versus merchants,” reporter Mark Segraves told us. He said residents were concerned with the growing number of bars and the traffic congestion, noise, public urination, fights, violence, and robberies that they say come with them.

The Opposing Side

New businesses are less than thrilled about the idea. Segraves said for some, this could make or break their business. “I spoke to a young entrepreneur who has his liquor license pending right now. He's got his life savings invested in the establishment,” said Segraves. Many business owners also worry about the precedent it might set for surrounding areas.

Decision Time

The city held a public hearing in late February, where dozens of residents testified. Now, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board is considering the decision. A resolution could take months.