Beshear Executive Closure Order

COVID-19: A Message to Licensees of the

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

ABC Licensee,

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed Executive Order 2020-215,

declaring a state of emergency in the Commonwealth due to the outbreak

of COVID-19 virus, a public health emergency.

In response, the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has issued the following directives that are in effect through March 30, 2020, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, promoting and securing the safety and protection of Kentucky's most vulnerable population:

By 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2020, food and beverage sales are restricted to carry-out, delivery and drive-thru only; no onsite consumption is permitted; and This Order does not apply to and/or exempts food service in health care facilities or any congregate living facilities, such as long-term care facilities as defined by KRS 216.510 and similar locations; and Liquor, beer and wine sales in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are restricted to carry-out, delivery and drive-thru services only, to the extent permitted by law. No onsite consumption is permitted; and Establishments offering carry-out, delivery and drive-thru orders shall ensure that patrons and employees engage in appropriate social distancing (staying 6 feet away from each other); and The overriding goal of this Order is to minimize in-person interaction which is the primary means of transmission of COVID-19. The immediate implementation of this Order is necessary as patrons of bars and restaurants gather in large numbers, in close proximity to each other and in enclosed spaces, thereby endangering the health of the staff as well as the patrons; and The Department of Public Health hereby delegates to local health departments the authority to take all necessary measures to implement this Order.

The Public Protection Cabinet will monitor these directives continuously and may extend or modify the Order at any time, and ABC officers will be checking for compliance of these directives while the order is in effect.

Kentuckians can visit kycovid19.ky.gov and cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information. If you have specific questions about coronavirus, call the Kentucky COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725.