Louisville City Wire

Louisville  – Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12) has filed two ordinances amending the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Codes of Ordinances (LMCO) Chapters 113 and 115 related to Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).

"In response to recent incidents and an unlicensed nuisance property, Mayor Greenberg requested I explore legislative options that would empower Metro ABC to more effectively respond and resolve these situations. These amendments enable ABC to issue emergency suspensions, including the capacity to seek injunctive relief from the Circuit Court, and bolster public safety by providing an additional layer of protection to the resources available to ABC and LMPD. While recognizing that these amendments may not address all issues, they signify a proactive stride toward cultivating a safer community. Strengthening our regulatory framework for both licensed and unlicensed businesses better equips us to address and mitigate potential risks, ensuring the well-being of our residents," said Brad Silveria, Alcohol Beverage Control Director.

O-022-24 amends Chapter 113: Alcoholic Beverages by providing the ABC Administrator the ability to issue an immediate emergency suspension when the health, safety, and/or security of the community is in jeopardy. In addition, it allows for an expedited hearing and appeal.

If the licensee violates the ordinance, the entity shall be issued a Cease and Desist letter and provided the opportunity to resolve the violations. If violations are ongoing, the ABC Administrator may seek an injunction to close the premises.

O-023-24 amends Chapter 115: Regulations Governing Specific Businesses by requiring organizers of public entertainment gatherings with alcohol sales obtain the appropriate licenses from ABC and Kentucky ABC. It also changes the responsible department from Codes & Regulations to Metro ABC. The amendment also adds an emergency closure for unlicensed public entertainment gatherings.

Both proposed amendments would take effect upon their passage and approval by the Metro Council.

“I would like to thank the mayor and ABC for their pro-active approach to addressing frequent nuisance behavior. I’m looking forward to discussing these proposals further in committee, and hope my colleagues join me as co-sponsors. We want to provide Metro Agencies with all the tools they need to be effective in their day-to-day operations to keep the city and community safe,” said Councilman Blackwell.

Proposed ordinances:

• O-022-24 Chapter 113 amendments
• O-023-24 Chapter 115 amendments

What’s next:

The two amendments have been filed with the Metro Council Clerk and will have their first readings at the next Metro Council meeting on Thursday, February 15. The ordinances will be assigned to the Public Safety Committee for discussion on Wednesday, February 21, at 4:00 PM. If the items pass out of committee, the earliest approval would be at the Metro Council meeting on Thursday, February 29.

If you have any questions regarding these proposals, please contact Councilman Rick Blackwell’s office at (502) 574-1112.

Original source can be found here.