grocery stores

“Introduction of the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Rafa Aremu

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement on the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act, which was filed with the Council of the District of Columbia. The legislation proposes several innovative approaches to help rebuild the District’s economy by providing businesses and patrons with expanded opportunities; bringing essential services, including new full-service grocery stores, to Wards 7 and 8; and maintaining the city’s reputation as a top destination to live, work, and dine out.

“I have charged my Administration with developing bold, innovative solutions to ensure our businesses and the workers they employ can thrive beyond this pandemic. As we continue to focus on boosting the District’s economy, this legislation will move us in the right direction by removing hurdles for businesses and providing new ways to bring in revenue. Since the public health emergency began last March, the District has led the nation in pivoting to support restaurants and food service establishments through various funding opportunities, including the $100 million Bridge Fund, the $33 million DC Small Business Microgrant Program, the Ward 7 and 8 Microgrant Program, the Small Business Resiliency Fund, and the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program. As we move toward a new normal, we will continue creating more innovative programs that help local businesses make it to the other side of this pandemic.”

Proposed provisions in the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act include:

Extending programs introduced on an emergency basis, including Streateries
Establishing a Commercial Lifestyle License that allows patrons to walk around and consume alcohol purchased from on-premises establishments within predefined boundaries
Creating a new 25 percent full-service grocery store Class A License to help attract new full service grocery stores to Wards 7 and 8; applicants interested in using this license to open a Class A grocery store in Wards 1-6 must first operate such a store in Wards 7 and 8 for at least six months
Amending several licensing operational requirements”

The (almost certainly an) Amazon Go Coming to H Street, NE Applies for Liquor License

By Prince Of Petworth


8th and H Street, NE

A liquor license application has been posted for Amazon Retail, LLC (almost certainly an Amazon Go):

“A market that will serve hot and cold meals, which includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, sushi, baked goods,and non-alcoholic beverages. The market is requesting a Tasting Permit.”

HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday through Saturday 7am – 12am”

Ed. Note: I’m also still keeping a close eye on the one coming to 14th Street/Logan Circle.

About that Helicopter in Hill East Last Night

By Prince Of Petworth

Michael asks at 11:45pm: “Chopper looks like it’s circling SE of Eastern Market, spotlight out, anyone got a clue what’s going on?”

Thanks to Sawyer for sending the video (below): “from the 1350 Potomac Ave SE vehicle collision with guard rail outside of Harris Teeter. Police arrived quickly – no person is in the vehicle. Helicopter circling area Vehicle appears to have been stolen. EMS has not arrived – no injuries.”

Alert DC reports as of 7:46am Friday: “DDOT reports the westbound lanes in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE, between 13th Street and Potomac Avenue have reopened while the 700-900 blocks of 13th Street, SE, between Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues remain closed until further notice.” (more…)

“AG Racine Sues Instacart for Charging District Consumers Millions in Deceptive Service Fees, Not Paying Sales Tax”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Thomas Dooley

From The Office of the Attorney General:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced a lawsuit against Instacart, a grocery delivery service, for charging District consumers millions of dollars in deceptive service fees and for failing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in District sales tax. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) alleges that for a span of 18 months, Instacart failed to clearly disclose to consumers that optional service fees were added on their bills and led them to believe these fees were tips for their delivery workers. In fact, the fees were an extra revenue source for the company and did not increase workers’ pay. Additionally, OAG alleges that Instacart violated District tax law and failed to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales taxes on delivery and service fees it collected. OAG is seeking restitution for consumers who paid deceptive fees, back taxes and interest on taxes owed to the District, civil penalties and costs. (more…)

Foxtrot Grocery and Restaurant also coming to Mount Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

Back in January we learned about a Foxtrot coming to Georgetown. A new liquor license placard reveals a Foxtrot is also coming to Mount Vernon Square at 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW:

“New Class “C” Restaurant serving salads and brunch foods located inside of a Full-Service Grocery Store. Applicant is applying for a Sidewalk Café endorsement with 20 seats and a capacity of 29 patrons. Total Occupancy Load for the inside of the premises is 116 with seating for 44 patrons.”

Updates as we learn more

Looks Like an Amazon Go is almost a Go for H Street, NE

By Prince Of Petworth


8th and H Street, NE

Thanks to Nick for sending: “Following up on your past article about the Amazon Go coming to 14th street, an even larger (largest in the U.S.) one appears to be coming to the AVEC building at 8th and H street NE. Any news on when it may be opening up? Based on my quick peek inside it seems like much of the shelving is in place.” (more…)

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