Some DC bars to stay open 24 hours, serve alcohol late during summer events

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — In just over a week, athletes from across the world will compete for their country, hoping to bring home a gold medal.

If you want to cheer them on at home in the District, you can stay out all night.

As part of emergency legislation Mayor Murial Bowser signed, certain licensed establishments can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcohol until 4 a.m. for the following special events:

• 2024 Summer Olympics | July 26 – Aug. 11
• 2024 Summer Paralympics | Aug. 28 – Sept. 8
• Dine All Night | Sept. 19 – Sept. 29
• Art All Night | Sept. 27 – Sept. 28

Information on which businesses are eligible, and how they can participate, was made available through the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration .

Jacqueline Jimenez, a manager at Penn Quarter Sports Tavern in Northwest D.C., said the late-night sports events are “a lot of fun.”

The sports bar participated in a similar program two years ago during the World Cup.

“In this area, it’s a little bit quiet if there are no sports going on, unfortunately,” she said. “So we want people to come out and watch sports.”

D.C.’s Director of Nightlife and Culture Salah Czapary said the program is done during other late-night sporting events and holidays.

“There’s a time difference [between DC and Paris, where the games are hosted],” he said. “It’s important to be able to provide space for people to watch the games.”

Patron Rubens Saintel said he’s likely to be out late on those nights, though he said he doesn’t anticipate crowds like the World Cup two years ago.

“Similar to the World Cup, but not as big,” he said. “But way more patriotic because we do a little bit better in [the games] than we do in the World Cup nowadays.”

Czapary also said he hopes the extended hours could help safety, saying “people feel safer around other people.”

Despite Jimenez’s excitement, she said the real cash cow for the bar is the NFL, which she’s looking forward to coming back in the fall.

“We’re ready for American football,” she said.

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