ASHLAND —
Ashland City Commissioners will consider an ordinance today that establishes the rules for Sunday alcohol sales.
Last week, voters in Ashland’s two wet precincts, Moore and Central, approved allowing Sunday sales by a vote of 209 to 50. Voters were asked if they were in favor of approving Sunday sales between the hours of noon and 1 a.m. on Monday.
The ordinance before elected officials today will allow sale of wine, spirits and beer in restaurants and package stores between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.
It is expected to be approved during the noon meeting at the Ashland City Building. The rules would not take effect until after a second reading, which could take place at the commission’s next meeting on March 21.
City Manager Steve Corbitt said he believes the ordinance crafted for commission consideration “mirrors” the ballot question voters were asked to decide. Although it was the city’s opinion before the vote that the election would only apply to by the drink sales, the change in city ordinance will allow across-the-board alcohol sales in restaurants and package stores.
The commission has had the ability to approve all Sunday sales all along and, after legal consultation with the state Alcohol Beverage Control Office, believe it was the intent of voters to allowing all Sunday sales.
Liquor store owners who first thought they were going to be left out of Sunday business say they are looking forward to opening their doors to serve customers seven days a week, too.
“We’d love to serve our customers any way we can,” said Jimmy Gibbs, owner of Continental Liquors. He echoed restaurant sentiment that not allowing package sales just allows city revenue to be lost to competing states and cities.
“We definitely want them to go through with it,” said Nick Patel, owner of Carter Avenue Beverage. “It will be good for the community. Tax money would stay in the community.”
Neither Gibbs nor Patel will be able to attend today’s meeting because both out-of-town and local alcohol distributors make their deliveries to Ashland on Thursday afternoons. “All the trucks will be here tomorrow. I cannot leave the store,” explained Patel.
According to an analysis of current sales by Ashland staffers, Sunday alcohol sales will boost annual beverage tax revenues by more than $93,000.
Sunday sales in package stores bring in 85 percent of tax revenues, which would grow by an estimated $79,500. Drink sales in restaurants are expected to raise $14,000 in new revenues. Ashland taxes alcohol revenue at a rate of 3.5 percent.
Annual alcohol sales in Ashland topped $16 million last year. They are expected to grow by more than $2.6 million with the addition of Sunday sales.
CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at (606) 326-2653 or by email at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com
Local News
Sunday sale rules to be considered
By the drink and package sales expected to be OK’d by city commissioners
- Local News
-
-
Man accused of stealing at Raceland graduation
A 59-year-old man is accused of stealing from students during Raceland-Worthington High School's graduation on Tuesday night.
-
Legion post busted for alcohol, gambling
American Legion Post 43 in Raceland is facing charges it illegally promoted gambling and sold alcohol at its clubhouse.
-
Carter considers new inmate healthcare plan
Carter County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Tuesday to consider a proposal for a change in health care providers for the jail and to conduct regular monthly business.
-
Thefts, assaults reported to APD
Second Hand Rose Furniture in the 3200 block of 13th Street reported the theft of a compact disc and an audiobook. Store workers told police they saw the man leave the store and remove the items from his pants leg outside.
-
11th annual Northeast Ky. Red Cross raffle scheduled
Tickets for the final raffle to benefit the Northeast Kentucky American Red Cross are for sale and local officials hope there will be no empty seats for their only annual fundraiser.
-
Ben Williamson bridge damaged
A temporary 10-ton weight restriction is in effect on the Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge, which brings traffic from U.S. 52 into Ashland.
-
Getting involved
A group of third-generation bricklayers is more than willing to give back to the Ashland community this week.
-
Carter County Public Library ready to close the deal on building for branch
In almost less time than it takes to read a good novel, the Carter County Public Library has found a new building for its Grayson branch and is ready to close the sale this week.
-
New flood plain maps for Boyd
New flood plain maps for Boyd County will go into effect this summer.
-
Local briefs: 5/22/13
An Ashland man was arrested Monday night on charges of trafficking in heroin, according to a release from the Ashland Police Department.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man accused of stealing at Raceland graduation
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
