Nicholasville approves Entertainment Destination Center ordinance for downtown Performance Park

The Nicholasville City Commission on second reading approved Ordinance 159-2024, establishing an Entertainment Destination Center in downtown Nicholasville and directing the city to apply for an entertainment destination center license that allows licensed alcoholic beverage sales within common areas of the center.

The ordinance, discussed on the second reading, primarily moves permitting for events from the tourism board to the city and sets requirements for a licensee to sell alcoholic beverages in common areas. Staff and the city attorney said the designation is a title that does not alter underlying zoning protections.

During debate, one commissioner said the measure "isn't really changing anything than the way that it's been happening other than the permitting process," and emphasized that downtown concerts are staffed with law enforcement. Planning staff and the city attorney said the city's zoning ordinances maintain protections the commission expects to see enforced.

A member of the public, Jonathan Russell Wallace, spoke during the public-comment period representing Tabernacle Baptist Church and said he was opposed to the ordinance. "I am against this ordinance," Wallace said, adding that he believes the change would increase alcohol exposure in the community and that "we don't need more of that." Wallace pressed commissioners to consider moral and public-health implications.

Commissioners acknowledged Wallace's concerns but said public-safety plans are in place for downtown events and that the ordinance formalizes a permitting pathway intended to streamline event approval. One commissioner moved approval "based on the approval of Jason's suggestion" — a minor wording change suggested by police staff — and the motion was seconded.

A roll-call vote followed; the named members present recorded affirmative votes and the ordinance was adopted. The passage directs city staff to pursue any required state licensing and to implement the permitting change for events at Performance Park.

The commission did not announce additional amendments at the meeting; staff said they would circulate any minor wording changes from police leadership before concluding the process.