Bardstown City Council to consider revising alcohol sales ordinances

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, 11:35 p.m. — The Bardstown City Council discussed streamlining the city’s alcohol beverage regulations at its working session Tuesday night.

City Attorney Tim Butler discusses a recent court case regarding alcohol beverage ordinances at Tuesday’s Bardstown City Council working session.

City Clerk Barbie Bryant explained the the city’s existing ordinance prohibits the package sales of alcohol prior to 8 a.m., while state law permits alcohol sales starting at 6 a.m.

Minit marts and retail stores are generally unaware of the city ordinance, and they have been selling alcohol prior to 8 a.m., she said.

“They have no idea that our city ordinance says 8 a.m.,” she said. “We’re either going to have to inform them of our 8 o’clock rule or move it 6 a.m. to match state law.”

Councilman Fred Hagan said he would like to see the city’s alcohol ordinances mirror state law. “It makes is simple to follow what the state law says.”

Mayor John Royalty said the move would be easier to enforce.

The proposed changes would allow:

— all establishments in the city that sell liquor by-the-drink could begin sales at 6 a.m. Monday-Saturday, and at 1 p.m. on Sundays.

— packaged sales of liquor and alcohol could begin at 6 a.m. Monday through Sunday.

The city council will consider the proposed revisions at its meeting next Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2o15.

-30-