Don't expect to see any new bars on the Dupont East stretch of 17th Street NW anytime soon.
The Dupont Advisory Neighborhood Commission voted unanimously Wednesday night to extend a 20-year-old alcohol moratorium for another five years.
The moratorium prevents new liquor licenses from being issued for establishments on 17th Street NW between P and S Streets.
The newly passed plan will, however, allow Hank's Oyster Bar and Komi restaurant to go through with long-sought expansion plans.
Before Wednesday's vote, critics cited several vacant storefronts in the area as evidence the moratorium scares away business owners. They said the moratorium discourages all types of businesses, not just bars and restaurants, from setting up shop in the neighborhood.
The moratorium extension passed by a vote of 9-0.
