Operations

Operating a restaurant involves a lot of moving parts – most controlled by you, but many controlled by laws, regulations, licenses and permits. Alcoholic beverages, food safety, labor practices and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (the healthcare mandate) are significant – and then there is everything else.

Get to know the regulatory agencies that govern such things as sidewalk cafes, signage, noise, fire safety and more. And, get to know about the efforts being made by RAMW on your behalf to improve the regulatory environment.

National Landing Bid and Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) Announce $100k “Love Local” Relief Program Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

March 15, 2021

Funds Will Support Open and Eligible National Landing Restaurants and Small Businesses (Arlington, VA) – March 15, 2021 – National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) has joined forces with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) to announce a $100,000 relief program called, “Love Local” to address the upending impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This critical localized initiative is designed to provide funding and promotion to help National Landing restaurants and small businesses in need of immediate support. “Restaurants and small...Read more

DC Legislative Updates

March 2, 2021

The "Workplace Safety During the COVID19 Pandemic Temporary Amendment Act of 2021” passed its second reading. This legislation passed as emergency legislation and thus is effective upon it being signed by the Mayor. RAMW was very concerned about the passage of this legislation and the burdens it places on operators as they attempt to survive the pandemic. However, through many conversations with Councilmember Silverman and other members of the Council, RAMW was able to have some changes made in the final version passed to make the legislation more palatable for our industry. The...

Mayor Bowser Announces Second Round of Citywide PPE Care Packages to Support Local Business Community

February 12, 2021

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio, Department of Small and Local Development (DSLBD) Director Kristi C. Whitfield, Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture Director Shawn Townsend, and local Business Improvement District partners announced a second round of citywide personal protective equipment (PPE) care packages to businesses. District officials announced the new PPE care packages while celebrating the opening of the first East of the River streatery at Busboys and Poets Anacostia. “Our...Read more

ASCAP & BMI Launch SONGVIEW, A Comprehensive Data Resource For Music Users

January 13, 2021

Groundbreaking collaboration provides detailed copyright information for more than 20 million songs, including reconciled ownership shares, offering greater transparency for the industry NEW YORK – (December 21, 2020) – ASCAP and BMI, the nation’s two leading performing rights organizations, today announced the launch of SONGVIEW, a comprehensive data platform that provides music users with an authoritative view of copyright ownership and administration shares in the vast majority of music licensed in the United States. SONGVIEW technology allows ASCAP and BMI to seamlessly...Read more

Road Closures and Parking Restrictions as of January 13, 2021 at 10am

January 13, 2021

Road Closures and Parking Restrictions as of January 13, 2021 at 10am. These are subject to change. Real-time updates will be shared on the Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) Twitter account @DCPoliceDept Road Closures for Inauguration “MPD reports the following road closures are in effect until further notice due to preparation for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. • Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue, SW, and Second Street, SE. • Constitution Avenue between First Street, NW, and Second Street, NE. • East Capitol Street between First and Second...

Resources Available from ServSafe

November 30, 2020

Get your free COVID-19 precautions videos including ServSafe Delivery, ServSafe Takeout, ServSafe Reopening Guidance and ServSafe Conflict De-escalation.

Make the ServSafe Dining Commitment

November 30, 2020

Through the ServSafe Dining Commitment, operators pledge to follow four best practices that are effective means for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Nearly 10,000 restaurants have made the commitment in which they pledge to: Adhere to the updated COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance and/or corporate brand guidelines, which are based on CDC, FDA, EPA and OSHA guidelines. Adhere to the laws and guidelines set by their state and local municipalities. Commit to a minimum of one person per location with a current ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification. Commit to ensuring employees have...

Free Social Distancing Seat and Floor Decals and Facemasks Available from DC HBX

November 23, 2020

RAMW is working with DC Health Link to provide free seat and floor decals to remind customers to maintain 6 feet between themselves and others. These decals are intended to be an aid in business operations to keep patrons safe and healthy, while complying with the Mayor’s orders for social distancing. Each business can request up to six (6) floor decals, ten (10) seat decals, and eight (8) facemasks by emailing us at coverage@ramw.org . DC Health Link has taken several steps to reduce financial barriers making it easier to enroll in quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage. If...

Join Mayor Bowser for Health Round-Up 2021 – Open Enrollment Kickoff

November 5, 2020

On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11:00am, DC Health Link is sponsoring a virtual enrollment kickoff that will bring together leading healthcare advocates, local leaders, celebrities and entertainers. Learn tips for healthy living, and most importantly, how to enroll in quality, affordable health insurance. The kickoff will feature: - Healthy cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs; - Sounds of local DJs and artists; - Multicultural dance and music performances; - Exercise instruction with Zumba, Yoga experts; - Healthy living tips for 2021; Having health insurance is always important, but...

Sign up for The Washington Post “Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway”

October 15, 2020

The Washington Post is excited to offer a partnership in a “Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway” To participate, all you need to provide is your restaurant name, hi res logo, restaurant point of contact (name, email, direct phone number) to Alexandra.Weber@washpost.com . Deadline to participate is Monday, November 2, 2020. Details: The Washington Post will be giving away (5) $100 restaurant gift cards in an exclusive subscriber enter for a chance to win promotion Launch date November 9 and to run for 5 consecutive weeks Your Commitment to participate is needed by Monday, November 2 Cost...