Retail
See how we empower retail businesses to overcome legislative hurdles, engage key stakeholders, and drive policy changes that open doors to new opportunities and sustained growth.
A Global Retail Chain
Client Challenge
In 2004, the District of Columbia City Council responded to Ward 4 residents’ requests to ban alcohol licenses in the Ward due to complaints about the number of liquor stores and the desire to discourage public drunkenness and other disruptions from new liquor establishments. When a large international retailer with several stores in the District announced its goal to sell beer and wine in its Ward 4 stores, it faced a legislative roadblock that would prevent it from doing so.
AMC Solution
American Management Corporation (AMC) played a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by initiating discussions with key stakeholders to secure support for an amendment allowing full-service grocery stores to sell beer and wine. Through AMC’s diligent efforts, the necessary legislation was introduced, exempting full-service grocery stores in the area from the liquor license moratorium. Additionally, AMC mobilized community members to testify before the D.C. Council in favor of the legislation and advocated the company’s support for the amendment to members of the Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development.
Results
As a result of AMCs successful advocacy, the Council approved an amendment to the District of Columbia Official Code, that created an exception to the Class B retailer’s license moratorium in Ward 4 for full-service grocery stores. The passage of the amendment permitted all retailers, including AMCs client, to successfully obtain Class B alcohol license. Benefits to the community included increased access to convenient grocery shopping options while maintaining the desired control over liquor licensing in the Ward.