Vic Miller, who lives in the Adams-Morgan neighborhood, noted that "increasing numbers of early-morning assaults, stabbings, shootings and vehicular crime are the direct result of more late-night drinking being permitted in the District's residential neighborhoods, particularly in Georgetown and Adams-Morgan."

Miller criticized the D.C. Alcohol Beverage Control Board for ignoring pleas from citizens for moratoriums on licenses for more drinking establishments. "Perhaps the city perceives this boom in booze as economic development, but it is far from clear that the additional costs of these establishments are worth the revenue," Miller stated. He pointed out, for example, that in the Adams-Morgan neighborhood, the District has had to increase expensive police patrols.

Miller cited several incidents, including a race riot last summer, the death of a Georgetown University student, a hit-and-run death of another student and numerous homicides, that he said were the result of late-night drinking.

"Late-night drinking is drug abuse. It does not take place in 'restaurants' - the euphemism the District uses to describe these establishments (which meal are you consuming at 3 a.m.?). It takes place in bars and nightclubs," stated Miller. "If Washington is serious about promoting a return of the middle class to its neighborhoods, it can't allow some areas to be free-fire zones."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Note: Comments are now held for moderator approval. More info

Name:
Comment: (limit 250 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
Please keep comments on-topic, courteous, clean, non-commercial, and within the word limit.
Read the complete guidelines