Double Standards for 17th Street Liquor Licenses

The following oped I penned appeared in today's Dupont Current:

There has been much discussion in recent weeks concerning Hank's Oyster Bar's application to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to expand into the vacant building next door and add outdoor seating during reasonable business hours. Unfortunately, a vocal minority -- the self-appointed "stewards" of 17th Street -- has met this responsible small business's attempts to grow with fierce opposition.

What would a Hank's expansion mean for our neighborhood? It would mean that rather than 20 customers outdoors, we could potentially see 40 sitting outside on the days where it's not too hot, too cold, too windy or too rainy. The outdoor hours at Hank’s would not change from the current closure of 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. I represent the residents directly across the street from Hank's, and in more than two years as a commissioner I have never received a noise complaint.

Indeed, this expansion would come with added benefits, including a handicap-accessible restroom for patrons. And more of our friends and neighbors would be able to enjoy the culinary works of art of master chef Jamie Leeds. More of our unemployed or underemployed residents could work as servers, bartenders, chefs and hosts. More local food growers, delivery personnel, garbage haulers and linen cleaners would support Hank's expanded business.

But time and time again, we hear the argument, "Seventeenth Street has too many liquor licenses and will turn into Adams Morgan." Fine, that's a fair argument. But in reality, what do many dislike about Adams Morgan? The fine dining at Cashion's Eat Place? The delicacies of La Fourchette? Because that's what Hank's should be compared to.

Or do we dislike the crowds and noise of Madam's Organ and Heaven and Hell? The fights that break out in front of Millie & Al's and Pharmacy Bar? The littered streets from jumbo-slice shops?

Our decisions as to the types of licensed venues we support or oppose can have long-term ramifications. Rather than simply protest every Alcoholic Beverage Control license as a knee-jerk reaction, we should support the expansion of responsible businesses like Hank's and bring accountability to the less-than-desirable management of offending venues.

You see, at the same time Hank's was applying for expansion, which these "stewards" protested, another 17th Street business applied for a license renewal and met no resistance whatsoever. This is the only establishment on 17th Street with outdoor hours until 2 a.m. seven nights a week. This bar is currently contesting $4,000 in fines for illegal construction without permits or approval from the advisory neighborhood commission or the Historic Preservation Review Board. It has been investigated by the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration seven times since 2009 and accumulated fines totaling at least $8,250 for everything from sales to minors to having no Alcoholic Beverage Control-licensed manager on duty to not selling food. In recent weeks this establishment has been visited on more than one occasion by the Metropolitan Police Department for public safety issues involving customers.

Where is the outrage here? Where are the protests? Why single out Hank's -- a responsible business owner -- while another operates with impunity?

I am disappointed in my neighbors for their double standard. Enough is enough. Allow Hank's to move forward and expand. Drop your protests and work to keep Hank's in Dupont and serving the thousands of residents who enjoy it. Perhaps in supporting more upscale restaurants like Hank's, we can keep out badly managed bars and taverns that are the real threat to turning 17th Street into another Adams Morgan.

Jack Jacobson is a member of the Dupont Circle advisory neighborhood commission.