Hospitality Law Blog

HB 256: BYOB in Dry and Moist Territory

Unlike the past several years, 2019’s legislative session did not produce major legislation regarding alcohol regulation. What it did produce, HB 256, is a very significant law change but it’s not a dramatic change for the alcohol industry (like 2018’s HB 400, allowing direct shipping of distilled spirits to the homes of distillery visitors), nor is it a large modernization or streamlining of regulations (such as 2017’s HB 100 and HB 133). Instead, the impact of HB 256 is a significant policy change to dry territories. The bill allows for the private possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in dry or moist territories without a vote of vote of its residents, a protection provided by the Kentucky Constitution. More >

Hospitality Law 2018, Vol. II: Direct Shipping from Kentucky Distilleries and the Quota System

In a historic and bold stroke, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a measure on April 2 that is viewed as a tremendous leap forward for the Kentucky bourbon industry.  HB 400, signed by Governor Matt Bevin on April 13, 2018, clears the way for Kentucky distilleries to ship their products directly to the homes of distillery visitors. In light of the booming numbers of tourists flocking to Kentucky distilleries, these provisions are seen as an important way to leverage the interest in Kentucky bourbon and spread the cheer.

Shortly after the passage of HB 400, the General Assembly also passed a bill that codified into statute the quota liquor license scheme that has been a feature of Kentucky alcohol law since the end of prohibition, but had been otherwise slated for elimination by the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. That bill became law without the signature of Governor Matt Bevin on April 14, 2018.  More >