A law offering new licenses to businesses is now in effect. It was signed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in February.

WASHINGTON — There are new options on how to purchase alcohol in D.C.

A law offering new licenses to businesses is now in effect. It was signed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in February.

“This new law allows District businesses to expand areas of their operations consistent with other jurisdictions,” said Fred Moosally, director of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, in a release. “It also clarifies existing law for licensees and the public.”

The expansion of licensing allows the growing number of craft beer brewers in D.C. to move beyond growlers, or jugs, and sell their brew in cans, kegs and bottles.

For D.C. distilleries once limited to making cocktails where only their spirit could be the primary ingredient, they are now open to mix freely.

Grocery stores can look beyond beer and sell wine, cider and mead in growlers; and hotels in the District are permitted to sell beer and wine inside their convenience stores, not only in the hotel bar and restaurant.

There is a change for bed and breakfasts operating inside the District, as well. Those with fewer than 30 guest rooms can serve alcohol to registered guests as part of a room fee.