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Neighbors were shocked to hear the controversial lounge was back open after it was shut down in October.
WASHINGTON — Shaw residents breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday evening.
Instead of preparing to endure a New Year’s Eve party held by PlayDC, a cease and desist letter is taped to the luxury lounge’s window.
Controversy surrounded PlayDC as residents complained about violent and illegal activity they say flowed from the lounge.
Last March, seven people were shot just steps away from the lounge, an example of the violence neighbors say is connected to PlayDC.
“We had shootings, we had stabbings, we had drug use, drug sales on adjacent streets, illegal parking, illegal valets, assaults, stabbing on the premises, you name it!” said Shaw resident Alexander Padro.
In October, PlayDC was shut down, but residents were shocked to see PlayDC open, and holding a Christmas party last week.
The lounge was issued two temporary licenses from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA).
However, those licenses are usually reserved for events like weddings, banquets, or fundraisers.
“The temporary license process was used and somehow approved for a four night, extended hours license for a nightclub, and that’s just not ok,” said ANC Commissioner Nicole Shea.
PlayDC was advertising a New Year’s Eve party for tonight, but the District’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection revoked the lounge’s licenses.
Residents hope this will be the last they hear about it.
“We do not want PlayDC or anything like it back here!” Padro declared.
Although PlayDC is closed for now, Commissioner Shea says this isn’t over.
The ABCA will hold a meeting on January 7, and she says she’ll be bringing up this situation to encourage DC to close the loopholes that allowed Play DC to get the licenses in the first place.
The lounge’s legal attorneys sent WUSA9 a statement that reads…
Legacy Inc. is a newly formed, independent entity. It has no legal connection, corporate affiliation, or shared ownership with the former operators of the “PlayDC” nightclub. We are aware of the violent incidents and community disturbances that occurred under the previous management. Legacy Inc. unequivocally condemns that history and shares the Shaw community’s concerns regarding safety and public order.
Regarding the events scheduled for this evening, December 31, 2025: Legacy Inc. is in receipt of the Cease and Desist order issued by District authorities. In full compliance with that order, Legacy Inc. has cancelled the New Year’s Eve event scheduled for tonight. The venue will remain closed.
Legacy Inc. has voluntarily suspended all future operations until two conditions are met:
First, that a complete review and rigorous compliance check of all required permits and licenses is finalized.
Second, that a new, comprehensive security plan is implemented.
Legacy Inc. has instructed its security team to develop these new protocols in direct coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Management believes that cooperation with local law enforcement and community stakeholders is the only viable path forward for a venue in this location.
We recognize that the previous tenants damaged the relationship between this venue and the neighborhood. While Legacy Inc. is a new operator, we understand that trust must be earned. We ask the community and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission for the opportunity to demonstrate that this new operation will be safe, lawful, and a respectful neighbor.
Our client, Legacy Inc., is committed to full transparency throughout this process and looks forward to a constructive dialogue with the community.
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