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*May 2025*
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* A Message from the Director [ #link_1 ]
* Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget Advances Business-Friendly Initiatives [ #link_5 ]
* Become a Vendor at WorldPride 2025 in DC [ #link_3 ]
* 2025 Fireworks Stand Licensing Period Now Open [ #link_7 ]
* Chef Rock Harper and DLCP Fuel Local Business Growth [ #link_4 ]
* Business Resource Center (BRC) Team on the Move [ #link_11 ]
* DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology Hosts Successful Instructor Development Workshop [ #link_6 ]
* Legislative Updates | In Case You Missed It [ #link_9 ]
* Contact Us [ #link_2 ]

A Message from the Director

tiffany [ [link removed] ]

Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,

May was a meaningful month at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) as we celebrate National Small Business Week, Day, and Month. It’s a time to recognize the dedication, resilience, and innovation of small business owners across the District who keep our communities vibrant and strong. 

We also honored Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—two observances that highlight the well-being, strength, and contributions of individuals and communities citywide. 

As warmer weather brings more activity on the roads, we encourage everyone to stay safe. DLCP recently issued a consumer advisory about the risks of purchasing tires from unlicensed or illegally operating shops, which can pose serious safety and financial risks. To view the full advisory and locate licensed businesses, click here [ [link removed] ].

We also invite you to explore the DLCP Hub [ [link removed] ] for inspiring stories in celebration of National Small Business Month, featuring entrepreneurs who are making an impact across the District.

Looking ahead to June, the District will come alive with community events, festivals, and vending opportunities, including WorldPride 2025 and Pride Month celebrations. DLCP encourages businesses and vendors to confirm their licenses and permits are current to take full advantage of these high-traffic events.

To further support a clean and well-regulated city, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Grow DC includes a $244,000 investment in DLCP’s vending enforcement team. This funding will expand operations into nights and weekends, particularly during major events downtown. Read more about the FY26 Budget below.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and proud to stand with you in shaping the District’s future.

Best regards,


signature

Tiffany Crowe
Director

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Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget Advances Business-Friendly Initiatives

grow dc

On Tuesday, May 27, Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, Grow DC, a strategic plan designed to generate economic growth, create jobs, and support city services without raising taxes. The proposal includes several initiatives that directly impact businesses and align with DLCP’s mission, such as streamlining the business licensing process, modifying certain regulatory requirements, and expanding grant eligibility for local entrepreneurs.

These efforts aim to make it easier to start, operate, and grow a business in the District. Click below to learn more. 

DC's FY 2026 Budget [ [link removed] ]

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Become a Vendor at WorldPride 2025 in DC

pride

Join us in celebrating a historic milestone — the 50th Anniversary of Pride in DC, as the Capital Pride Alliance proudly hosts WorldPride 2025 which began on May 17 and will continue until June 8, 2025. With an expected 3 million attendees from across the globe, this is your opportunity to showcase your merchandise and be part of this historic event.  

*Vendor Applications Now Open*

All vendors must apply for a Temporary Class B Merchandise License to participate. Please read the details below carefully to ensure you meet all requirements.

*Vending Dates & Fees:*


* Choose up to *three days to vend: June 6, 7, and 8, 2025*
* Cost: *$99 per day* (non-refundable)

*Important Notes:*


* No food or beverages may be sold — this includes pre-packaged items.
* Vending is permitted between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
* All vendors must vend within designated vending zones only (see below).
* Please note that once a vendor selects a vending location on the application, changes cannot be made.
* Pre-registered vendors must *pick up credentials between May 30 – June 4 at 1100 4th Street SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024.*

*Approved Vending Zones*

All vending must take place within clearly marked areas. Vending outside these zones is strictly prohibited.

The approved vending zones are located at the following locations:


* Yellow Zone (Metro Center)
10th & 11th Streets NW between F and G Streets
* Pink Zone (M Street)
Near Thomas Circle
* Orange Zone (Indiana Avenue)
Between 6th and 7th Streets NW

*Ready to Apply?*
Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Click *here [ [link removed] ] *to apply today. 

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2025 Fireworks Stand Licensing Period Now Open

fireworks

Planning to operate a fireworks stand this year? DLCP has officially opened the 2025 Fireworks Stand Licensing Period, which runs from *May 27 through June 27*.

*Apply For A Temporary Fireworks Stand License [ [link removed] ]*

*Required Documentation*

To be issued a license, applicants must meet the following requirements and possess:


* A valid Building Permit
* A Certificate of Occupancy
* A valid Corporate Registration (If Applicable)
* A Fire Marshall Inspection Report (Approved) / Proof of Fire Inspection Payment
* A Lease/Letter of Agreement for Use of Space
* A valid Tax Registration

The temporary firework sales fee is $247.50.

Applications [ [link removed] ] must be submitted no later than June 27, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

DLCP cooperates with other District of Columbia Government agencies to ensure applicants/licensees comply with all applicable DC Official Codes and Municipal Regulations. The agency reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or proof of inspection(s). Paper applications not accepted.

Learn more: *Steps to Obtain a Temporary Fireworks Stand License [ [link removed] ]*

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact [email protected] or (202) 671-4500.

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Chef Rock Harper and DLCP Fuel Local Business Growth

Rock Harper

Renowned restaurateur Chef Rock Harper is no stranger to transformation. As the Season 3 winner of Hell’s Kitchen and the visionary behind Hill Prince Bar and Queen Mother’s Kitchen, he continues to lead with purpose and passion. Today, he is using his talents on the national stage as part of Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, a new Fox series focused on helping struggling restaurants get back on track.

Each week, Chef Harper steps into a new establishment, where he observes the inner workings of kitchens and dining rooms, assesses food and service quality, and provides honest feedback to identify areas in need of improvement. With years of hands-on experience, he brings a blend of culinary insight and leadership that helps restaurant teams find clarity, restore morale, and move forward with confidence.

While Chef Harper is focused on supporting individual restaurants, DLCP plays a significant role across the District. DLCP provides business owners with the tools and guidance needed to launch, operate, and grow their establishments responsibly. By helping entrepreneurs navigate licensing requirements and understand safety protocols, DLCP lays the groundwork for long-term success.

DLCP’s Business Resource Center (BRC) [ [link removed] ] offers tailored support and educational resources that empower business owners to build strong, compliant operations. This proactive approach helps businesses, especially those in the food and hospitality sector, remain prepared to serve the public effectively and safely.

Together, Chef Harper’s work on the ground and DLCP’s ongoing support behind the scenes reflect a shared goal: strengthening the local business community and helping DC's restaurants thrive.

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Business Resource Center (BRC) Team on the Move

summit 1

We’re proud of our BRC team for the dedication they show in delivering DLCP’s mission to both new and established entrepreneurs throughout the District. This month, the team has been actively engaging with the business community, offering guidance, resources, and support where it matters most.



On Tuesday, May 6, the BRC team attended the POWERUP DC 2025 Small Business Summit, hosted by DC Health Link. This dynamic event celebrates the strength and resilience of DC’s small business community, offering a full day of insights, access, and opportunities tailored for entrepreneurs at every stage.

powerup 1

Powerup 2

Continuing their outreach, the team also participated in the DSLBD Open House and Small Business Week Pitch Competition on Wednesday, May 7, held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. These events create vital connections and continue to affirm DLCP’s role in empowering the District’s business community.



We thank the BRC team for their continued commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and expanding access to resources that help businesses thrive.

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DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology Hosts Successful Instructor Development Workshop

On Monday, May 19, the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology hosted an Instructor Development Workshop at the Bennett Career Institute in Northeast DC. Designed for professionals in the barbering and cosmetology fields, the workshop focused on enhancing instructional skills and deepening understanding of the examination process.

Barber 1

Barber 2

The event welcomed a diverse group of educators and practitioners eager to refine their teaching methods and support the next generation of professionals. A highlight from the workshop was a live mock exam demonstration, which gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how examiners assess performance, technique, and professionalism.



The workshop sparked engaging discussions among participants, allowing for the exchange of strategies, best practices, and new ideas. Attendees also earned two DC Continuing Education (CE) credits toward their license renewal requirements. We appreciate events like this that provide opportunities for professional growth and help maintain high standards within the barbering and cosmetology industries.

Barber 3

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Legislative Updates | In Case You Missed It

*Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws *


* *B26-224*, the ""Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Amendment Act of 2025 [ [link removed] ]"" – Introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen, this bill imposes caps on the price of tickets sold by resellers on secondary ticket platforms; requires resellers to register with DLCP, obtain a bond of at least $10,000, and submit reports to DLCP; and establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for resellers and secondary ticket platforms that violate the law.
* On May 9, 2025, DLCP and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) published the Special Police Officer Notice of Second Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking in the "DC Register". Following the first emergency rulemaking adopted on November 1, 2024, this second rulemaking updates the general provisions regarding MPD special police officers and special privates. It clarifies the appointment process and establishes the eligibility and training requirements for special police officers, including pre-assignment, on-the-job, and in-service training. It also outlines the eligibility criteria for MPD special privates. The rulemaking was adopted on an emergency basis on April 29, 2025, to support public safety ahead of major upcoming events in the District, including WorldPride 2025 and the FIFA Club World Cup. It will expire on August 27, 2025, 120 days after its adoption unless superseded.

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Contact Us

Contact DLCP via email <[email protected]>, or our online inquiry form [ [link removed] ] at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov [ [link removed] ] or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours. 

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Government of the District of Columbia - Muriel Bowser, Mayor

*Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection*

1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 ǀ 202.671.4500 ǀ dlcp.dc.gov [ [link removed] ]

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