One of the measures being taken up in the Kentucky General Assembly could mean an increase in alcohol retailers in Lexington. The legislation affects five counties. It would reduce the population requirement for a license from one for every 23 hundred people to one license for every 2000 people. Nicholasville GOP Senator Killian Timoney spoke in committee about what it might mean in central Kentucky
“This is definitely impactful in Lexington as I think right now there are two vacant licenses. And we have several major major retail organizations that are trying to come in and they will not break ground until there’s a little bit more movement in that particular area,” said Timoney.
Raising concerns about the bill was Dana Peddicord, owner of the Blushery, a ladies retail boutique and wine bar. She told committee members the change in the law could eventually mean around 75 new liquor licenses with larger retailers benefitting. Peddicord said this would hurt small businesses like hers.
“When you have multiple locations within the same overriding business in the same county, you have an ability to mass order a bulk level of products that allows you pricing and product availability that your small business owners will never be able to access,” said Peddicord.
Peddicord said small business may be told they cannot sell certain wines that are available at larger retailers. In addition to changes in the quota system for five counties, the measure also adds a vintage spirit license so the Alcoholic Beverage Control Administrator can regulate that part of the industry. The House bill is before the Kentucky Senate.
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