D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 23, r. 23-218
A license shall not be required for any event where alcoholic beverages are provided gratuitously for on-premises consumption on the host's own premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a license shall be required if the operator of the premises provides professional services for the on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages which are provided gratuitously to guests; or if the operator of the premises rents out the facility or provides entertainment, food or nonalcoholic beverages for compensation.
An applicant for a new license shall not permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises unless the applicant has obtained a stipulated or temporary license. The applicant for a new license may also permit a licensed caterer to host an event on the premises pursuant to § 25-113 so long as the caterer acts as operator of the premises by retaining responsibility for the duration of the event, including control over the modes of ingress and egress into the establishment, bar and security staff, and the service of alcoholic beverages.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 23, r. 23-218