Ashland , Boyd County , Kentucky

Ashland, Ky., voters have decided to allow Sunday alcohol sales in two precincts inside Boyd County.

On Tuesday, voters headed to the polls to approve restaurants to sell alcohol on Sundays. There were potentially 1,500 voters in the Moore and Central precincts to decide the vote. Only 209 registered voters turned up at the polls, and 157 voters ultimately decided to approve the measure.

The measure will go before the Ashland City Commission for final approval. The commission will also decide if the Sunday sales of alcohol can be extended to stores or just restaurants.

---

To sell or not to sell on Sundays? That's the question facing about 1500 voters in the Central and Moore precincts in Boyd County, Kentucky this month.

Early voting for the February 26th election began Thursday. The voters are choosing whether or not they want to allow alcohol sales in those precincts on Sundays. Many restaurants are obviously in favor. Alyssa Hammond is the general manager of Fat Patty's in Ashland. She says it's about more than just extra revenue for the restaurant. "It's just like a whole new window for us. Of course there's going to be revenue, and that in turn will help each and every server make more money and go out and purchase things . Everything is to help stimulate our economy."

Fat Patty's has quite a following in the tri-state, but they say they're afraid some of their regulars head elsewhere on Sundays. Hammond said, "Customers that we see Monday through Saturday, we may not see them on Sunday. I would hate to see just a glass of wine or one beer keep them from here."

She said it could be especially beneficial during football season, with most NFL games on Sundays.

It could be a tough sell for voters. Just last month, neighboring Greenup County voted down alcohol sales in their county, and some folks just can't get on board in Boyd.

Trish Salyers and her friend April Bryant are opposed to Sunday sales. Salyers said, "They sell alcohol Monday through Saturday, and at least on Sunday they ought to respect the Lord's day and not sell alcohol. I just don't think it's needed on Sundays."
Bryant agreed.

It's now up to the power of the people to decide.

Boyd County clerk Debbie Jones said, "Voting determines the will of the people. So we encourage everyone to get out and vote in every election."

Early voting continues through February 22nd at the clerk's office and the Carter Avenue fire station in Ashland.

How To Contact WCHS-TV8 | Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Terms and Conditions | DMCA Policy | Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2013, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.