mount pleasant neighborhood alliance

BACKGROUND
A restaurant license carries the following key provisions:

1.      It must be known by the public as "primarily a food service establishment".

2.      Food sales must account for at least 45% of revenue, or $2,000 annually per legal occupant.

3.      Close no later than 2:00 am Sunday through Thursday nights, and 3:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights.

4.      May provide entertainment, may charge a cover charge or provide dancing by applying for an "entertainment endorsement" and obtaining ABC board approval.

5.      Any other provisions agreed in a Voluntary Agreement.

Key Differences in a Nightclub license:

1.      Nightclubs are distinguished from restaurants and taverns in that they focus almost exclusively on providing entertainment and alcoholic beverages only.

2.      Nightclubs not required to serve food.

3.      There is no dance floor size limitations which means the entire establishment can remove all tables and chairs and become an exclusive dance venue.

4.      The nightclub must have a security plan.

5.      Entertainment, dancing and cover charge are allowed automatically and requires no endorsement or special action by the ABC Board.

6.      May have illuminated signs advertising alcoholic beverages; however these signs cannot contain intermittent flashes of light.

7.      Any other provisions agreed in a Voluntary Agreement

As MPNA considers its position on this application, the following questions come to mind:

1.      Why does Haydee's want to become a nightclub? 

2.      How will a nightclub license improve MTP, especially considering that the establishment will not be obligated to serve any food?  

3.      What will a Nightclub license do to enhance MTP when a Nightclub license allows the establishment to remove all tables and chairs and turn the entire establishment into a dance venue? 

4.      How will a Nightclub license change the operations of Haydee's (i.e, what do they plan to do differently and what aspect of their operations are they planning to change? 

5.      Many people believe that Haydee's is already a very special place, and an anchor of Mt Pleasant Street - most nights it is filled with folks, young and old, enjoying the warm, lively atmosphere and neighborhood vibe, why is there a need for a Nightclub license? 

6.       As a "Restaurant", all restaurants in the District of Columbia are required to ensure that food sales equal or exceed 45% of total revenue.  In 2009, Haydee's achieved food sales ratios ranging from 66% to 69%.  Why are they seeking relief from having to maintain a 45% food sales ratio?   

7.      How will modifying their license improve their business economics? 

8.      How will modifying their license sustain their business?   

9.      Last year much effort was put into helping create a new neighborhood-based "Responsible Hospitality Zone" in which all agreed to discuss issues inside the community before going to ABRA or the DC City Council.  MPNA was an active and constructive participant.  Haydee's, whose owners also live in the neighborhood, applied for this substantial change in their license on December 17 without prior notification or discussion with the community.  When notice of their application was sent out by ABRA, no one involved with the Responsible Hospitality Zone had heard of their plans.  This was the first chance for the Responsible Hospitality Zone to work on a neighborhood issue.  Are the liquor license holders on Mt Pleasant Street really dedicated to the Responsible Hospitality Initiative?     

10.   More broadly, does MTP desire to become a Night Club district or to remain a Restaurant environment?  If Haydee's becomes a night club, which establishment will be next?   

11.   What impact, (peace, order and quiet) will a nightclub on residents who live behind this establishment and on Mt. Pleasant Street?

12.   How do the tenant associations feel about this, especially the ones in the buildings recently converted from rentals to tenant ownership?

13.   How would a conversion to a Night Club impact the current MPNA Voluntary Agreement?  Would it transfer?  Could it be terminated? 

At this point there are many unanswered questions and MPNA will seek to get as many answers to them as possible and to then take a position on Haydee's application.  In the meantime, we ask for your feedback.  Please email us at mpna@mtpleasantdc.org and join in on the discussion at http://www.mtpleasantdc.org/forum.  

Please provide any comments and feedback so that the board can take them into consideration.