City Cracks Down on Funeral Homes

The city's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has a couple of tips for all you D.C.-based practitioners of the mortuary arts and sciences:

1. Make sure your licenses are in order.
2. Keep those corpses plenty cool.

According to a DCRA press release, the agency recently cited six District funeral homes, most for not having either a Basic Business License or a certificate of occupancy.

But one outlet, Reese Funeral Service Inc., of 360 3605 14th St. NW, got a more disturbing citation. Not only did it "not have a licensed funeral director who has an interest in the business as required by law," but the funeral parlor "did not store the remains at the proper temperature."

Full release after the jump.

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Cites Funeral Homes for Violations

(Washington) Linda K. Argo, Interim Director of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, announced today that the agency has taken enforcement action against six funeral homes.

"Funeral homes provide an important service at a stressful time," said Argo. "DCRA will protect our vulnerable residents by taking strong enforcement action against these businesses and sending a signal that this agency will not allow businesses to operate without the proper permits or certification."

Reese Funeral Service Inc.
360 14th Street NW
DCRA served a Notice of Intent to Revoke the Basic Business License on Reese Funeral Service, Inc. DCRA alleged that Reese Funeral Service did not have a licensed funeral director who has an interest in the business as required by law. DCRA also alleged that Reese Funeral Service, Inc. did not store the remains at the proper temperature.

Frazier Funeral Home Inc.
389 Rhode Island Avenue NW
DCRA served a Notice of Illegal Business Activity and Notice of Infraction on Frazier Funeral Home, Inc. DCRA alleged that Frazier Funeral Home, Inc. conducted funerals without being properly licensed.

Latney's Funeral Service Inc.
3831 Georgia Avenue NW
DCRA served a Notice of Illegal Business Activity and Notice of Infraction on Latney's Funeral Service, Inc. for operating without a Basic Business License.

Hall Brothers Funeral Home, Inc.
621 Florida Avenue NW
DCRA served a Notice of Illegal Business Activity for operating a funeral home without a certificate of occupancy.

Willis N. Dunn and William Penn Dunn, t/a Dunn & Sons Funeral Service
5635 Eads Street N.E.
DCRA served a Notice of Illegal Business Activity and Notice of Infraction on Willis N. Dunn and William Penn Dunn, t/a Dunn & Sons Funeral Service for operating without a Basic Business License.

John D. Watson, d/b/a Watson's Funeral Home
3435 14th Street NW
DCRA served a Notice of Illegal Business Activity and Notice of Infraction on John D. Watson, d/b/a Watson's Funeral Home for operating without a Basic Business License.

"DCRA is continuing its push to send a strong message to District businesses that do not comply with city laws," said Argo. "We will take action."

For more information about funeral planning, visit the Federal Trade Commission web page: Funerals: A Consumer Guide: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/funeral.shtm.

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The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs protects the health, safety, economic interests, and quality of life of residents, businesses, and visitors in the District of Columbia by issuing licenses and permits, conducting inspections, enforcing building, housing, and safety codes, regulating land use and development, and providing consumer education and advocacy services.