Business Licensing Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

The Business Licensing Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 modifies key aspects of business licensing in the District of Columbia. It replaces public hearings for entertainment venue licenses (such as theaters and cinemas) with a process requiring notification of neighborhood commissions and giving their recommendations significant weight. The bill restores the four-year business license (costing $198) that was set to be eliminated by the BEST Act, and allows businesses to renew licenses expired for over nine months by paying a fine. Additionally, it reinstates the Mayor’s authority to refund erroneously paid license fees. These changes directly affect entertainment venue operators, residential property owners using four-year licenses, and businesses with expired licenses.