In January, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B lodged a formal protest to the application of Mason Inn (2408 Wisconsin Ave.) to serve alcohol on a new rooftop deck. Citing a history that includes multiple assaults inside the bar and a pending charge of violating a noise ordinance, the ANC expressed doubt about the bar’s ability to maintain order outdoors.
“ANC 3B feels strongly that the Mason Inn’s long record of disturbing the peace, order and quiet of the neighborhood disqualifies it for the privilege of taking its business outside into public space,” wrote Commissioner Jackie Blumenthal in a letter to the chair of the ABC Board. “This is especially relevant given the close proximity of residences to the Mason Inn.” Other formal protests came from ANC 3C, which represents McLean Gardens and Massachusetts Avenue Heights; the Glover Park Citizens Association; and a group of 19 residents and property owners from the 2300 and 2400 blocks of 37th Street, represented by attorney Milton Grossman.
At the same time, many Glover Parkers expressed support of the roof deck plan. More than 150 neighborhood residents sent emails in favor of the deck. In addition, six residents (two sets of housemates) from nearby 37th Street submitted a letter strongly supporting the application, as did two Glover Parkers who live within blocks of the establishment. “It is clear that the ANC 3B is advocating their own agenda and not expressing the wishes of their constituents,” one of these letters states. “There is overwhelming support in the neighborhood for this application and there is talk that some residents may run against the ANC members due to their outrageous behavior.”
The ABC Board identified multiple groups, including ANC 3B, that have legal standing to protest the application. The Mason Inn will negotiate with these groups in an attempt to address their concerns in a modified license application. If a compromise can be reached, the protests will be withdrawn.
In the meantime, The Mason Inn received a warning letter from the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration after a December 1 incident in which a visibly intoxicated man was served alcohol at the bar. According to a police report, at about 2:20 a.m., a detective watched a man with very red eyes and slurred speech “stumble to the bar and, while leaning on the bar, order two Bud Light beers.” The bartender served the beers, which were immediately confiscated by the detective “in fear that [the patron] would consume them quickly and become more intoxicated,” the report states. Selling alcohol to drunk people is against D.C. law. The next such incident could lead to charges against the bar, ABRA’s warning letter states.
A hearing on The Mason Inn’s pending noise complaint is scheduled for April 3.
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