License Filing The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) issues ABC licenses for the manufacture, wholesale, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages in the District of Columbia. For more information on applications or scheduling an appointment to submit an application, please contact ABRA at (202) 442-4423 between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Licensing Process File for a District of Columbia business tax number at the District of Columbia's Office of Tax and Revenue Customer Service Center, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20002. File the required application(s) with ABRA, including the Clean Hands Certificate. Wait for the 60-day placard period to end. ABRA is required to conduct a background investigation, including a criminal history records check on the applicant. Citizens may protest against the awarding of a license during the 60-day placard period. Common citizen objections must clearly reference at least one appropriateness standard which includes adverse impact on the peace, order, and quiet in the neighborhood; residential parking; vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety; property values; and contribute to an over concentration of ABC establishments in the neighborhood. If there are no objections, and if the application and investigation are satisfactorily completed, the ABC Board can issue a license to an applicant any time after the minimum 60-day placard period. The ABC Board may approve a stipulated license. If valid objections are raised, a hearing will take place and the license must be returned.