Although the D.C. Council has done a bit of tightening of regulations for drinking during the Obama Inauguration, don’t worry: there will still be plenty of opportunity to party.
Despite its initial ruling that bars could continue to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. during the week of the inauguration, Jan. 17 to 21, the Council voted on Dec. 16 to scale back the regulation to 4 a.m. instead. Bars, nightclubs and restaurants can remain open 24 hours to serve food, provided they pay a fee. Although the drinking establishments who will benefit from D.C.’s huge crowds may be celebrating, the rule faces criticism from certain Council members and U.S. Senators, who argue that there is not adequate policing to enforce the 4 a.m. rule or guarantee security.
Whether you’re headed to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration or not, how do you feel about the looser rules? Will you be celebrating the inauguration and if so, where?
