Owensboro panel approves ordinance letting patrons carry alcohol in downtown entertainment district without weekday permit

The Owensboro City Commission voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 10-2025, amending the Owensboro Municipal Code to allow patrons in the downtown entertainment destination district to carry alcoholic beverages in approved ‘green cups’ at any time alcohol is sold.

City Manager (unnamed) summarized the change as a removal of the weekday permit requirement: "This ordinance allows patrons in the district downtown to carry alcohol in the green cups, Monday through Thursday, anytime. Right now, they're able to do that on the weekends... but Monday through Thursday is by permit only. This just removes the permit requirement and allows it to be carried anytime alcohol sold." The change took effect upon adoption following the roll-call vote.

The ordinance was read for approval on second reading and the commission voted by roll call. Commissioners who answered during the roll call indicated assent; the roll call recorded affirmative responses from Commissioner Jeff Sanford, Commissioner Sharon Nesmith, Mayor Tom Watson, Commissioner Curtis Maglinger and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Glenn.

Supporters argued the amendment simplifies permitting for events and aligns weekday operation with existing weekend practice. No public testimony opposing the ordinance was recorded during the meeting. The commission did not attach additional conditions to the ordinance at second reading.

The measure will be reflected in the municipal code as an amendment to chapter 3, article 3, section 3-57; the city clerk will publish the ordinance and associated effective date per standard practice.