liquor laws

Bill Blocking Groceries from Selling Wine and Liquor Advances to House Floor

Rae Hodge — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:18:00 +0000

A bill that would effectively block grocery stores from selling wine and liquor—and ban wine and liquor sales in new pharmacies—was approved today in a state House committee.

Under the legislation, grocery stores could still sell alcohol from an adjoined structure with a separate entrance.

Current law does not allow people younger than 21 to enter a place which sells wine and package liquor, which has prevented sales in grocery stores in the past.

Spirits Sellers to Legislators: Don't Wait for Appeals Ruling For New Liquor Law

Kenny Colston — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:22:57 +0000

If a federal judge's ruling goes into effect, businesses that sell liquor in Kentucky may see increased competition — and those businesses are encouraging legislators to act before an appeals decision comes down.

Judge John Heyburn tossed the laws last year, saying it was unconstitutional to allow places like drug stores to sell some wine and liquor, but not groceries.

Robert Stivers: Let's Exhaust Legal Appeals Before Reforming Liquor Laws

Kenny Colston — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Work on reforming some of Kentucky’s liquor laws may wait until a federal appeals court rules on a current challenge.

A federal circuit judge threw out state laws dealing with where wine and distilled spirits can be sold, calling them unfair. Currently only select stores — such as liquor stores and pharmacies — can sell those beverages, while others — such as groceries — can only sell beer.

Kentucky Lawmakers Still Working on New Liquor Law

Kenny Colston — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Kentucky legislators are still seeking a new state liquor law, a leading lawmaker says. If they don't, a bottle of bourbon may be as close as the corner gas station.

Last year, a federal judge threw out Kentucky laws that don’t allow groceries and gas stations to sell wine or hard spirits, saying it was unfair. Kentucky pharmacies — which often sell grocery items — can sell the hard stuff.

Confusion Over Future Liquor Sales Leads to Strange Partnerships

Kenny Colston — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:22:12 +0000

A recent ruling by a federal judge has turned Kentucky’s liquor sales environment into a state of confusion.

The judge struck down Kentucky laws that prohibit liquor sales in grocery stores and gas stations, calling it unconstitutional. He has since decided to place that ruling on hold to let Kentucky lawmakers see if they can write a better law.

At the same time, a task force appointed by the governor is studying the same issue and begins public input meetings this week.

ABC Task Force To Hold Hearings Across Kentucky

Dan Conti, Kentucky Public Radio — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:45:00 +0000

The task force Governor Beshear appointed to study Kentucky’s alcoholic beverage control laws will hold a series of public forums this week.

Robert Vance, secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet and chairman of the 22-member panel that will prepare a report for the governor, says the meetings will be held in Somerset, Madisonville and at Northern Kentucky University.

"We’ll basically be getting just feedback," Vance said.

Kentucky's Ever-Changing Liquor Laws Confound Drinkers, Proprietors

Laura Ellis — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:53:17 +0000

Laws governing the sale of alcohol in Kentucky are already labyrinthine, and to make things more confusing, they are often in flux. It seems like one county or another in the Commonwealth is always voting on whether to be dry (no alcohol sales), wet (alcohol sales allowed), or moist (drinks can be consumed in restaurants, but package sales are prohibited). Marshall County recently held such a vote—they chose to remain a dry county—and emotions ran high on both sides.