related laws could get quite confusing.
Fortunately, however, the laws in each jurisdiction are fairly
similar.
Both brewpubs and microbreweries are legal throughout the area,
although it may be easier to get a license in some areas than others.
There are no "3.2" laws or other regulations limiting the
alcohol content or labelling of beers, other than those enforced by
the BATF.
And homebrewing is legal throughout the area.
The drinking age is, of course, 21.
Retail purchase of beers is slightly more
complicated.
In Virginia, any store can get a license to sell beer to go,
so beer can be bought at almost any grocery or convenience store,
as well as at
specialty beer retailers.
Beer can sometimes also be found at the state-run ABC (Alcohol
Beverage Control) stores, but usually isn't.
Virginia only allows retail stores to sell beer until midnight
(although you can continue buying at pubs until 2:00 am).
In the Dictrict Of Columbia, beer can be bought almost anywhere!
Grocery stores, convenience stores, and private liquor stores all
carry beer.
Maryland has the strictest regulations regarding retail sales of
beer.
In Maryland, beer can only be bought at privately owned liquor
stores.
Most of these stores close at 9:00 pm, but the law allows for sale
of retail beer until 2:00 am.
As of July 1, 1997, microbreweries in Virginia will be allowed to sell
their product (off premises consumption only) directly to the public.
In Virginia and Maryland, bars can continue
serving alcohol until 2:00 am.
DC allows bars to continue serving alcohol until 3:00 am on Fridays and
Saturdays but only 2:00 am the rest of the week.
DC-Beer
For those interested in keeping up with the
Washington, DC beer scene, I highly recommend joining
DC-BEER,
an internet mailing list of local beer enthusiasts and professionals.
If you are interested in learning more, send e-mail to
dc-beer-request@macjordomo.psrw.com. For more information, check out the dcbeer mailing list faq.
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Microbreweries - Last updated
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The metro area has quite a few small breweries, many of which offer
tours.
Even if you don't get out to visit one of them, you will do well to
ask for their products at pubs and retail establishments.
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Brew Pubs - Last updated
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These pubs and restaurants brew their own beer.
Some also offer other brewery's products, and some sell their own
beer to go.
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Public Houses - Last updated
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These establishments offer a wide variety of beer.
Whether you are looking for a nice dinner with a good selection of
beer, or just to go out drinking for a night on the town, you will
find something here.
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Rumours - Last updated
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Keep a look out here for planned, rumoured, or just hoped-for
additions to the DC beer scene.
Last updated:
Copyright
1995 by Thomas H. Aylesworth and others.
DC Beer Message Board