McFadden’s Saloon is closed tonight after the District temporarily suspended its liquor license.

The bar and restaurant, located at 24th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, was dark and empty — an unusual sight for the popular drinking spot. Signs posted on the doors announced the suspension, which was effective only today.

Cynthia Simms, a community resource officer for the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, said the temporary closure resulted from a sale to a minor in late December. She said the long gap between the violation and the suspension was common in the District.

“All of these violations have to go through the attorney general’s office,” Simms said. “There’s a huge number of them so it often takes months before we get to them.”

A male bartender, who declined to be identified, turned away patrons at the door but reassured them the bar would be open again tomorrow and handed out cards promising $2 drinks and no coverage charge.

Photo by Andrew Nacin/Hatchet photographer