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Richmond holds first reading of broad alcohol-license rewrite to align with state rules
Summary
On first reading the board reviewed Ordinance 25-25, a comprehensive rewrite of Richmond's alcoholic beverage code to clarify application procedures, license types, fees, publication requirements and grounds for denial or revocation; it will return for a second reading.
The Richmond City Board of Commissioners held the first reading of Ordinance 25-25, a comprehensive update to the city's alcoholic beverage (ABC) licensing rules intended to align local practice with Kentucky statutes and the state's online portal.
City Attorney read the amended code, which covers local application procedures, publication and protest requirements, the requirement that city licensing be completed prior to state portal action, and a range of eligibility conditions (for example, convictions that preclude licensure for specified look-back periods). The draft also enumerates license types and fees, from temporary-event permits ($166.66 per event for a special temporary retail drink license) to various annual license classes (examples cited in the reading included $1,200 for certain limited licenses and other category-specific fees). The draft clarifies transfer restrictions, posting requirements, expiration and renewal cycles, and revocation procedures.
Commissioners and staff discussed several wrinkles, such as how cannabis-infused beverages are treated under current state guidance and how the city will use the state's ABC portal for applications. City staff described the changes as clarifying and intended to make the ordinance more accessible to business owners while aligning with state law. A motion to bring the ordinance forward passed; the city will consider the ordinance on second reading at a subsequent regular meeting.
