Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)

fee waiver graphicWaiver of Fees for Certain License Types

The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an emergency ordinance on January 12, 2021, to waive the 2021 renewal fees that are due January 31, 2021, for certain alcohol license types. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Executive Orders from the Governor’s office, many businesses were required to either close or operate at a diminished capacity with restaurants and bars seeing a substantial financial impact.  The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has allowed for a 12-month fee waiver for certain license types.  This action by the City of Paducah mirrors the State’s action and provides a benefit to the businesses totaling approximately $97,000.  In Paducah, 108 business which have a total of 201 licenses (some businesses have more than one license) will benefit from the renewal waiver.

  • Each business still is required to submit to the Paducah Finance Department a copy of its 2022 State Alcoholic Beverage License on or before January 31, 2021, in order to receive its local Alcoholic Beverage License. 
  • Businesses also need to have a current business license and be up-to-date on payroll taxes and property taxes in order to receive their local alcohol license. 
  • This waiver is only for businesses that are renewing their annual license.  New applications must still make a payment.

Frequently Asked Questions for Fee Waiver

The renewal fees for the following alcohol license types that are due January 31, 2021, are waived entirely for 2021:

Brewer’s License
Caterer’s License
Extended Hours Supplemental License
Microbrewery License
NQ-1 Retail Drink License
NQ-2 Retail Drink License
NQ-3 Retail Drink License
NQ-4 Retail Malt Beverage Drink License
Qualified Historic Site License
Quota Retail Drink License
Special Sunday Retail Drink License
Supplemental Bar License

Executive Order Based on COVID-19

Effective March 19, 2020, restaurants that have an active liquor license, that are also doing food delivery or carry out, are permitted to also deliver sealed alcoholic beverages, in their original containers to customers.  There are specific rules that must be followed.

Governor's Executive Order

Enforcement of Governor's Order

Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions - Restaurant Reopening Guidelines

Code of Ordinances

Information about the consumption and selling of Alcoholic Beverages including the sale of alcohol on Sundays as approved by the Paducah Board of Commissioners is found in Chapter 6 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances. 

On September 26, 2017, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved amendments to the City's alcohol and beverage ordinance.  The amendments went until effect September 29, 2017.  Many of the amendments are necessary to comply with the passage of House Bills 100, 183, and 319 during the 2017 Kentucky legislative session.  One noteworthy local amendment permits the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays for all license types during the same hours such sales are permitted any other day of the week.  Expanded Sunday Alcohol Sales Letter and Ordinance >>

Contact

If you have questions about the City of Paducah Alcoholic Beverage license or ordinance, contact

Lindsay Parish
City Clerk/Deputy ABC Adminstrator
City Hall, 300 South 5th Street
P.O. Box 2267
Paducah, KY 42002-2267
270-444-8506
Email

Alcoholic Beverage Server Training

Chapter 6 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances to require alcoholic beverage training for persons licensed for or employed in the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink.  This ordinance requires the training to include the identification of false documents, recognition of intoxication, and liability issues.  The goals of the training are to prevent youth access to alcohol and prevent over-service.  The training also explains retailer liability and how to handle different scenarios such as spotting a fake ID or confronting a patron who needs to be cut off.  All employees hired after the adoption of the ordinance shall complete server training within 30 days of being hired.  Re-certification shall be required every three years after the initial training with records maintained on-site verifying employment history and training. 

Approved Training Programs: 

Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Website

State of Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Applications and Licenses >>

Useful Links and Forms

Acknowledgement Form for ABC Applicant >>
Background Check Links >>
Sample Newspaper Ad Wording >>