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Commission discusses alcohol closing hours and minor curfew after a recent late-night fatality
Summary
After a recent fatal shooting, commissioners reviewed city alcohol-sale hours and the minor curfew; police said they enforce the curfew (31 citations in 2024; 20 YTD in 2025) and commissioners agreed to solicit input from late-night business owners before pursuing ordinance changes.
Following a recent fatal incident, the Paducah City Commission discussed local alcohol sales hours and the municipal curfew for minors at the Aug. 26 meeting.
Lindsay (city staff) summarized current hours: package alcohol sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to midnight; on-premises consumption (bars/restaurants) is permitted from 6 a.m. until 3 a.m., leaving roughly a three-hour overnight window when on-premises sales are not allowed. She compared Paducah’s hours to peer cities, noting other comparable jurisdictions set closing times between midnight and 2 a.m.
Chief Lair described curfew enforcement and statistics: “Short answer to that is yes. It is enforced,” he said, and reported 31 citations for curfew violations in 2024 and 20 citations so far in 2025. Staff reviewed the local curfew ordinance, which makes it unlawful for minors (under 18) to be in public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Friday–Saturday, subject to enumerated exceptions such as accompaniment by a parent, employment, school or supervised civic events.
Public commenter and downtown business owner CJ Davidson urged the commission to consult late-night business operators before imposing earlier closing times, warning that cutting late hours would reduce employees’ wages and could harm downtown nightlife that attracts visitors. Davidson offered to help form a business-based review group.
Commissioners expressed mixed views. Some members said midnight or 2 a.m. might be reasonable alternatives; others noted that changing closing times could simply shift late-night activity to other venues. Commissioners agreed to reach out to late-night business owners for input and to explore potential incentives for ride-share services or expanded late-night transportation to reduce late-night risk.
No ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting; staff will gather business input and may return recommendations to the commission.
