University of Louisville
Liquor Licensing in the Commonwealth
Institution
University of Louisville
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Sherri L. Wallace
Abstract
Kentucky distilling companies shipped around 2.5 billion dollars in product last year and created an estimated 8,600 jobs in our state. Kentucky is also responsible for over 90% of the world's bourbon whiskey yet we have some of the most complex laws regarding liquor licensing. There are over 70 types of liquor licenses throughout the state and we support Steve Beshear's attempt to streamline these liquor laws into something more manageable and more fiscally fruitful. We allow individual precincts to decide on their wet/dry status and this puts an enormous strain on our state's regulating officials. This is not only a financial burden but it also creates confusion among the people which hurts the overall political perception of our state's government. In trimming down the perplexity of our states liquor laws we will be more effective in alcohol regulation as well as pave the way for "cleaner" legislation that can allow our state to further capitalize on this enormous resource. This will also improve political attitudes towards our state government. With more clearly defined laws we have the opportunity to create more jobs and expand one of our states largest businesses to suffering counties. We can also increase revenue for existing Kentucky businesses and allow the KY Department of Alcohol Beverage Control to more efficiently regulate alcohol distribution and consumption throughout the state.
Liquor Licensing in the Commonwealth
Kentucky distilling companies shipped around 2.5 billion dollars in product last year and created an estimated 8,600 jobs in our state. Kentucky is also responsible for over 90% of the world's bourbon whiskey yet we have some of the most complex laws regarding liquor licensing. There are over 70 types of liquor licenses throughout the state and we support Steve Beshear's attempt to streamline these liquor laws into something more manageable and more fiscally fruitful. We allow individual precincts to decide on their wet/dry status and this puts an enormous strain on our state's regulating officials. This is not only a financial burden but it also creates confusion among the people which hurts the overall political perception of our state's government. In trimming down the perplexity of our states liquor laws we will be more effective in alcohol regulation as well as pave the way for "cleaner" legislation that can allow our state to further capitalize on this enormous resource. This will also improve political attitudes towards our state government. With more clearly defined laws we have the opportunity to create more jobs and expand one of our states largest businesses to suffering counties. We can also increase revenue for existing Kentucky businesses and allow the KY Department of Alcohol Beverage Control to more efficiently regulate alcohol distribution and consumption throughout the state.