Arielle Cruz
Kentucky previously had a statewide ban on alcohol sales while the polls were open, which was repealed in 2013 and took effect in 2016. The Kentucky governor signed a bill to repeal the Prohibition-era ban, making it the sixth state since 2008 to do so. The new law allows retailers to sell alcohol during the hours the polls are open on primary, regular, local, or special election days. This change was expected to increase revenues for the state, counties, and cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Hopkinsville, Kentucky |
| Previous law | Prohibition-era ban on Election Day alcohol sales |
| New law | Alcohol sales allowed during polling hours |
| Timing | 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following day |
| Effective date | June 24 |
| Other states with similar laws | South Carolina, West Virginia, Indiana, Utah, Idaho, Delaware |
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What You'll Learn
- Kentucky repealed its Prohibition-era ban on Election Day alcohol sales in 2013
- The ban was America's strictest, dating back to when saloons served as polling stations
- Kentucky is one of six states since 2008 to repeal such a ban
- The law allows for a local option to continue the ban if desired
- Kentucky's dry and moist counties have complicated alcohol sale laws
Kentucky repealed its Prohibition-era ban on Election Day alcohol sales in 2013
The ban on alcohol sales during elections was a relic from a bygone era when saloons served as polling stations. It was intended to prevent politicians from offering voters drinks in exchange for votes, which could skew election results. However, by the time of the ban's repeal in 2013, it was considered an outdated restriction that no longer made sense in the modern economy.
The Distilled Spirits Council, a trade body, called the change "the latest in a trend of states updating antiquated liquor laws". Kentucky was the sixth state since 2008 to repeal such a ban, following West Virginia (2011), Indiana (2010), Utah (2009), Idaho (2008), and Delaware (2008).
The bill to repeal the Prohibition-era ban, Senate Bill 13, was sponsored by Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, and signed into law by Governor Steve Beshear. The Kentucky General Assembly gave its final approval to the bill in 2013, and it took effect in 2016, according to KRS 244.290.
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The ban was America's strictest, dating back to when saloons served as polling stations
Until 2013, Kentucky had a strict ban on alcohol sales during the hours that polls were open on election days. The ban was a remnant of the Prohibition era, dating back to when saloons served as polling stations. Saloons would double as polling places, and politicians would ply voters with drinks, even offering free drinks in exchange for votes, potentially skewing election results.
The Kentucky General Assembly approved a bill to repeal this ban in 2013, with the new law taking effect in 2016. The bill, Senate Bill 13, was signed into law by Governor Steve Beshear, who recognised the outdated nature of the restriction. The law, KRS 244.290, allows retailers to sell alcohol during the hours the polls are open on primary, regular, local option, or special election days.
Kentucky was not alone in its previous ban on Election Day alcohol sales. South Carolina maintained a similar ban, with the mayor of York, S.C., Edward Lee, commenting on the belief that alcohol and ballots are a "combustible combination". However, Kentucky became the sixth state since 2008 to repeal such a ban, joining West Virginia, Indiana, Utah, Idaho, and Delaware.
The repeal of Prohibition-era restrictions has been applauded as a way to modernise antiquated liquor laws, boost tourism, and support small businesses. The Distilled Spirits Council celebrated the change as a "trend of states updating antiquated liquor laws".
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Kentucky is one of six states since 2008 to repeal such a ban
Kentucky has repealed a Prohibition-era ban on Election Day alcohol sales, allowing retailers to sell alcohol during the hours the polls are open. This change, which took effect on June 24, was signed into law by Governor Steve Beshear. Kentucky is now the sixth state since 2008 to repeal such a ban, joining West Virginia (2011), Indiana (2010), Utah (2009), Idaho (2008), and Delaware (2008).
The Distilled Spirits Council praised Kentucky's modernisation, calling it the "latest in a trend of states updating antiquated liquor laws". The trade body's vice president, Jay Hibbard, stated that the Election Day sales ban was a "relic from a bygone era when saloons sometimes served as polling stations". He further emphasised that these "Blue laws don't make sense in today's economy".
Prior to the change, Kentucky was one of only two states, the other being South Carolina, that did not allow alcohol sales while the polls were open. This law, which dates back to the antebellum period, was intended to prevent politicians from influencing voters by providing them with free drinks.
With the repeal of the Prohibition-era ban, Kentucky has taken a step towards boosting tourism and supporting small businesses, while also increasing revenues for the state, counties, and cities. This decision aligns with the trend of states updating outdated liquor laws and marks a shift towards more modern and practical regulations.
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The law allows for a local option to continue the ban if desired
The sale of alcohol during voting hours on election days was banned in Kentucky until 2013. The law, which dated back to the Prohibition era, was repealed by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2013 and took effect in 2016.
The change in the law was formalized in Senate Bill 13, which allows retailers to sell alcohol during the hours the polls are open on primary, regular, local option, or special election days. However, this change in the law does not apply to dry counties.
For example, a county may choose to continue the ban if there is significant local opposition to alcohol sales or if there are concerns about the potential impact on election integrity. Conversely, a county may choose to allow alcohol sales during voting hours to boost tourism and support local businesses, recognizing that the original rationale for the ban is no longer relevant in today's society.
Ultimately, the decision to continue the ban rests with the local communities, allowing for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the diverse perspectives and needs of different areas within Kentucky. This local option empowers counties to make informed choices that reflect the will of their constituents and adapt their policies accordingly.
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Kentucky's dry and moist counties have complicated alcohol sale laws
Kentucky's alcohol laws, which govern the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, have led to a patchwork of dry, wet, and "moist" counties, each with varying restrictions. Dry counties prohibit all sales of alcoholic beverages, while wet counties permit full retail sales under state license. The term “moist” is more flexible, referring to counties that fall somewhere between dry and wet. This includes counties with a mix of dry and wet cities, as well as counties with special provisions that allow for alcohol sales under certain conditions.
The classification of counties as dry, wet, or moist has resulted in a complex landscape of alcohol regulations across Kentucky. For instance, while some counties are uniformly dry or wet, others may have a combination of dry and wet cities within their borders. Additionally, certain counties may have special provisions that permit alcohol sales in specific contexts, such as at qualifying historic sites. These nuances can make it challenging for residents and visitors to navigate the alcohol laws within the state.
The alcohol laws in Kentucky have evolved over time, influenced by various factors. In 2013, the Kentucky General Assembly approved a bill that allowed alcohol sales during polling hours, bringing the state into line with other states that had already repealed Prohibition-era restrictions. This change addressed the outdated nature of these laws, which stemmed from a time when saloons doubled as polling stations, and aimed to boost tourism and support small businesses.
The shift in alcohol sale laws also reflects broader societal changes. Economic considerations, generational shifts, migration patterns, and evolving attitudes towards alcohol, including within religious communities, have all contributed to the gradual increase in legal alcohol sales across Kentucky's counties. Despite this progress, Prohibition-era realities persist in some counties, where efforts to maintain or repeal alcohol restrictions continue to shape local policies.
The complexities of Kentucky's alcohol laws highlight the state's ongoing negotiation between historical influences, cultural values, and economic priorities. While the repeal of Election Day alcohol sales bans represents a step towards modernisation, the diverse classifications of counties underscore the enduring impact of conflicting views and regulations surrounding alcohol consumption in the state. These varying county classifications demonstrate the multifaceted nature of alcohol regulation in Kentucky, where local communities exercise a significant degree of autonomy in shaping their alcohol landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kentucky allowed alcohol sales on voting day in 2024.
No, before 2013, Kentucky had a statewide ban on alcohol sales while the polls were open.
The ban was put in place because saloons often doubled as polling places, and politicians would offer drinks in exchange for votes.
The ban was lifted in 2013 and took effect in 2016.
