County alcohol revenue update

By Greg Bird

A month after the first legal alcohol sales in McCreary County began, the revenue from the regulatory fees have began to trickle in.

ABC Commissioner Brenda Belvins told the Fiscal Court last week that $375.17 in regulatory fees has already been collected from businesses selling alcohol in the past month.

To date there are seven active licenses under the county ordinance: Ron’s Market, Larry’s Mini Mart, Poppa’s Quik Stop (formerly Wilson’s), A&M Grocery, L&S Grocery, the American Legion and Santa Fe Restaurant. Some of the establishments may not be selling at this time due to the restrictions to business due to the COVID-19 virus.

Blevins believes more applications will be submitted after the first of April, when the new licensing year begins. Prior to April 1, any business that applied for a license would have to pay for half a year’s license, a cost that may have been prohibitive for only about 45 days of revenue.

Three more establishments have filed for a license to operate a liquor store, but none of the applications have been approved as of this time.

Any funds generated through regulatory fees will go toward funding the ABC office and supporting local law enforcement.