Winchester commissioners debate EDC liquor‑license filing after names appeared in legal notice

City staff and the city clerk briefed the commission on an Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) license application the city filed with the state. Joy (city clerk) explained she followed state guidance and included required applicant information in the legal notice; the Kentucky ABC administrative specialist instructed that the notice "shall" state the applicant’s name and the principal officers when a governmental agency is the applicant.

Several commissioners objected to their names appearing in the newspaper without first being told. Some said they would not have consented to their names being used; others noted their names commonly appear on city business documents. City Attorney Dykeman and staff explained the state’s legal requirement leaves little discretion: either publish the names as required or not file the application. The city may need to republish the notice within the state’s 90‑day requirement if the filing is reactivated.

Commissioners discussed alternatives raised in public comment, such as placing ownership under a separate entity or nonprofit. Staff noted the EDC ordinance has already passed a second reading at a prior meeting and that further materials, including the rules and participation agreements, were expected to be provided to the commission. The commission took no immediate rescinding action but asked staff to clarify next steps and to ensure future notices include clear communication to commissioners about required legal content.