by Larry Janezich
Posted October 19, 2026
This official notice of closure was posted at Café 8 this evening. Photo credit: Nicky Sundt
Despite not referring to an effective date and time, it is effective when the closure is handed to the management.
The licensee has 3 business days after the service of the notice to file a formal request for a hearing with ABCA. Once requested, ABCA is required to hold a hearing within 2 business days of receiving request.
See here: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/25-826
I was hoping the shooting on Sunday night would result in closing Cafe 8. The neighbors have been complaining repeatedly about the behavior outside this establishment and they need to be responsible for their patrons behavior outside in the same way we hold businesses responsible for the litter their patrons throw on the sidewalk.
We hold businesses responsible for litter patrons throw on the sidewalk?
Where does that happen? I’m not trying to be snarky, but in my part of DC, that never happens. I would be pleased to see a change, no doubt.
Remember when Cafe 8 was a normal restaurant without hookahs and decent Turkish food? I miss that.
It appears that many things are legal on barracks row in front of Cafe 8 and in the adjacent blocks – drinking in public, smoking weed, DUIs: I observed a person not being able to open the door of the vehicle – that’s how drunk they were…fights, assault, etc.
it has to stop.