NE Residents Ready Protest Against 24/7 Starburst Convenience Store

by Larry Janezich

Posted Friday, September 18, 2026

24/7 Convenience and Carryout at 1601 Benning Road

NE Residents Ready Protest Against 24/7 Starburst Convenience Store

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 18, 2026

Last Tuesday night, ANC 7D’s Economic Development, Housing, Zoning & ABCA Committee held a virtual meeting chaired by Resident Member Zach Abramovitz.

Among items discussed was the application for renewal of a Class B Retail Grocery license (beer and wine for off-premises consumption) for Convenience & Carry Out at 1601 Benning Road, NE.

The store lies in the single member district of Commissioner Dominic Pacheco ANC7D06 who said his constituents have raised a number of concerns about the 24/7 venue.   

Pacheco told CHC, “The overall concern from residents in my SMD is not alcohol sales generally, but rather the renewal of this particular alcohol license at this particular location.

Unfortunately, there is long history of criminal activity, MPD engagement and other traffic concerns in this immediate area. … “

He noted that the chair of ANC7D’s Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and ABCA Committee invited the applicant to join the committee hearing, but reportedly did not receive a response.

According to the full ANC7D Commission Chair Brian Alcorn who attended the meeting, ANCs and Community organizations can protest an application for a liquor license or a renewal on three grounds:

• Peace, order, and quiet
• Parking needs, vehicular safety, and pedestrian safety
• The negative impact or effect on real property values in the surrounding area

Pacheco listed a number of concerns the community will ask the ANC to focus on.  Among those the commissioner listed which speak most directly to the grounds for protest are the following according to Pacheco.

“Public Safety: The 1600 block of Benning Road has had multiple shootings, fatal stabbings, and armed robberies.  MPD data shows at least 178 incidents within the area around this address over the past year.  Categories like robbery, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon are a few that have all increased year-to-date.”

And:

“Photos associated with the business on Google appear to show items including metal knuckles, pocket knives, ski masks, and handcuffs.  Some of these items may be prohibited under DC law, and I will be asking for clarity as to why a convenience store would be selling those items – especially in an area that struggles with public safety.”

In addition, Pacheco said, there are “Issues concerning the hours of operation:  The business is advertising itself as 24/7.  However, the alcohol application lists hours that end at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.  The application also indicates alcohol sales would stop at 10 p.m. So I’ll be asking ABCA to clarify how will the business actually be operating, will they update their signage, what hours are authorized, and (what will be the) guarantee of when alcohol sales will stop?  Neighbors want to be sure there will be enforcement associated with the hours of operation and alcohol sales at this location should the license be approved by ABCA.”

There appeared to be considerable support for a motion to recommend that the full ANC protest the application for a license renewal by ABCA.  If the full committee supports the recommendation that would trigger a formal hearing during which ABCA would hear arguments for and against the protest.  If opponents are successful, the application for renewal could be denied.  In the past, ABCA has seemed to be pre-disposed to giving applicants the benefit of the doubt.  Protests have successfully resulted in a denial of license renewal if compelling evidence is submitted pertinent to any of the three grounds on which a protest can be based.   

Other attendees at Tuesday night’s meeting spoke about what they perceive as the negative effect of  the proliferation of 24/7 convenience stores which have recently opened up near the Starburst where H Street, Benning Road, Florida Avenue, Bladensburg Road, 15^th Street and Maryland Avenue intersect.  Some 24/7 stores have opened on H Street, NE, as well.  The trend is more widespread than in nearby NE, as independent stores and local chains move to fill the gap created by the closure of so many 7/11s in October of 2024.  It seems to be a business model that is self-replicating.  Recently, a Grab N Go 24/7 convenience store opened at 637 PA Avenue, SE. 

The Committee could take up and vote on a motion to recommend a protest of the renewal as early as its next meeting in mid October.