Sahara Market's Alcohol Application

Bottom Line Up Front

On May 24, 2024 Sahara Market LLC (1901 Michigan Avenue NE) noticed their ABCA applications for a Retailer's Class "B" Beer & Wine Store as well as a Retailer's Class "C" Restaurant with Alcohol Carry-Out/Delivery and Sidewalk Café Endorsements. 

Note: The address for the business has been corrected in the June 7 notice listing.

See my news post for more information.

Update 9/5/2024: Commission 5B approved entering into a Settlement Agreement with Sahara Market at the special meeting on September 4.  Read more about everything to date in my news post, Update on Sahara Market.

Update 8/31/2024: Commission 5B is holding a Special Meeting regarding Sahara Market on September 4, 2024 at 7 PM.  Note: This website is not the official means to disseminate meeting notice for the Commission.  Notice was issued on 8/28.

Update 6/26/2024: Commission 5B authorized a protest of both licenses.  Letters are available under Official Documents on 5B's Website.

Public Release: ABCA License Request Report on Sahara Market

Joint 5A02/5B01 Meeting Recording

Commissioner Cozart (5A02) and I hosted a joint meeting on the ABCA Placards for Sahara Market on June 6 at 7:00 PM.  The owner/applicant attended and presented his concept to the neighborhood and then engaged with the community.

Link: Click Here to Watch the Recording of the Meeting

Where Are We In the ABCA Process?

Other Opportunities to Learn and Engage

Please note I am providing this information as an additional resource to the community, but am not an organizer.  Please direct questions to the organization.

Queens Chapel Civic Association (QCCA): For more information, please contact QCCA at (202) 760-8705.

QCCA held its scheduled in person monthly meeting on Monday June 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Union Wesley AME Zion Church and authorized protesting the application. 

The Queens Chapel Civic Association held an emergency meeting on Monday June 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Union Wesley AME Zion Church, 1860 Michigan Avenue NE.  The agenda was to discuss and hear the neighbors' concerns about the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA posted liquor application for Sahara Market LLC in the Avondale Shops).  

• June 3, 2024: My statement to the Queens Chapel Civic Association (QCCA).

North Woodridge Citizens Organization (NWCO): For more information, please contact Ms. Shirley Rivens Smith at srsusasc@gmail.com.

The North Woodridge Citizens Organization met IN PERSON on Wednesday, June 12 at 6:00 PM for a Meet & Greet at Bunker Hill Park.

• June 12, 2024: I participated in this meeting and spoke with many who attended on this issue.

The North Woodridge Citizens Organization met VIRTUALLY on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 PM to discuss the Sahara Market (in addition to other items).  

• June 5, 2024: I participated in this meeting.