HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville is taking the first steps in establishing an Entertainment District Center downtown that would allow patrons to drink alcoholic beverages in outdoor public areas. The goal of establishing an EDC is to aid in the economic growth and tourism in the city, while capitalizing on the revitalization taking place downtown.
Details about the potential EDC were laid out in an ordinance presented to city council members during the Aug. 6 meeting. The ordinance spanned over several pages, going into specifics about rules for participating businesses. If the ordinance passes both votes, it then moves on to be approved by the state.
What this means for downtown
In summary, the ordinance states that on Saturday’s and Sunday’s between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., patrons could leave the premises of a participating business with an alcoholic beverage and drink it while walking around downtown. The city will be responsible for providing EDC branded cups along with adequate security to ensure that public streets and pedestrians are kept safe. Patrons will not be permitted to take drinks outside of the EDC boundaries, and drinks outside the boundary cannot be brought in.
“If this passes and the state comes down and they see our plan and they agree, we will then get with the business owners that are going to operate in the EDC,” said Melissa Clayton, the city’s chief financial officer during the meeting. “There’s a lot more work to do after this passes, but we can’t apply for a license with the state until we have an ordinance.”
The EDC will cover a large section of downtown, stretching between areas of South Virginia Street and South Main Street. Every eligible business in the boundary will have the opportunity to participate in the EDC, including the Alhambra Theater, Hopkinsville Bourbon Society, Hopkinsville Brewing Company, and the OddFellows Building. Founders Square is excluded from designated common areas, unless there is a special event occurring.
“We’ve taken several looks at it, it has been reduced in scope. But, due to how our businesses are spread out this is just where we landed to reduce it as much as possible,” said city attorney Doug Willen.
A few councilmembers expressed concerns about liability, insurance, and phrasing of parts of the ordinance, but Willen assured them that details will be addressed and discussed further after the state visits downtown and approves the EDC. The ordinance was influenced by other commonwealth cities like Louisville who have an EDC in place.
The ordinance passed the first reading by a unanimous vote and will move on to a second reading at a future city council meeting.
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