Lexington Council eyeing an expansion of Sunday alcohol sales

WEKU | by Stu Johnson

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is considering extending alcoholic beverage sales hours on the weekend. It’s expected to be discussed in November.

The issue revolves around both package and by the drink sale of alcohol on Sunday mornings in Lexington. Currently such sales are not permitted before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. If approved, Sunday sales would be like the six other days, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Saying she’s been in recovery for more than 25 years, Council Member Tayna Fogle said she would never vote for the extension.

“It’s like a domino effect..one thing precipitates another..and then we look at high crime and we look at high crime and ways people steal out of stores,” said Fogle.

Fogle and Council Member Fred Brown cast the only no votes to place the issue in committee. Council Member Dave Sevigny said he had been approached by several restaurants and VisitLex about making the change.

Council Member Denise Gray supports the change.

“We understand that people do have struggles, but the great majority of people, for the most part, are able to drink and stop, for the most part,” said Gray.

Mayor Linda Gorton said she thinks adding Sunday morning alcohol sales would be ok, adding there are resources set aside for those with addiction issues.

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Photo by Stu Johnson for WEKU.

Republished with permission.