Alcoholic Beverage Task Force makes 34 recommendations to governor

Report cites need to consolidate license types, address local option election issues and public safety concerns

FRANKFORT, Ky.  (Jan. 11, 2013) – A five-month study of Kentucky’s antiquated and confusing alcoholic beverage control laws outlines the recommendations for the General Assembly to take actions to eliminate duplicative, confusing and unnecessary licensing laws and regulations.

The Governor’s Task Force on Kentucky’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws submitted its report to Gov. Steve Beshear today and notes that while it is making 34 recommended changes to statutes and regulations, much more should be done by future groups to continue the work in overhauling the Commonwealth’s liquor statutes.

“We said from the start that we would only bring to the governor and the General Assembly those issues on which we knew we could build a consensus, and we have done that,” said Robert D. Vance, task force chair. “I believe this document is an excellent starting point for consideration of immediate improvements to our laws and regulations.”

Beshear appointed the 22-member task force, made up of industry, legislative and regulatory representatives, in July.  The group was divided into three committees – licensing, local option election, and public safety – to address the specific areas of concern outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order.

In addition to meeting numerous times as committees, the task force also conducted four public forums across the state to gather citizen input and answer questions about the work of the task force.

Kentucky has more than 13,000 licenses issued to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for alcoholic beverages, with more than 80 different license types to regulate those operations. These businesses not only generate millions of dollars for the Kentucky economy every year but also attract tourists.

The task force’s recommendations include streamlining and modernizing the current licensing process; clarifying regulations for local option elections, and improving public safety through appropriate legislation.

The 156-page report to the governor also contains issues that the task force did not address, but believes action by future groups is warranted. A copy of the full report is available online at http://abc.ky.gov/pages/taskforce.aspx.