New Year's Eve Alcohol Sales

BHA URGES COUNCIL TO EXTEND LEXINGTON-FAYETTE COUNTY ALCOHOL SALE HOURS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

(Lexington, KY - December 18, 2006) - The Board of Directors of the Bluegrass Hospitality Association (BHA) has issued a formal request to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council strongly urging council members to take measures to allow extended local alcohol sale hours - including the ability to sell wine and distilled spirits - on Sunday, December 31st, 2006 for the New Year's Eve holiday. In its letter to the Council, BHA stated that it supports extending the alcohol service hours for restaurants on New Year's Eve when it falls on a Sunday in order to allow them to be competitive with other communities and other Lexington establishments.

"Convention Centers and hotels in Lexington are allowed extended Sunday alcohol sales for New Year's Eve," said BHA President Fran Taylor, "and local restaurants must also have the ability to compete with other cities and venues that permit later alcohol sales on this holiday."

BHA, which serves as an advocate for the hospitality industry to promote travel and tourism in the Bluegrass, has over 200 members representing top executives in area hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and strategic partners including the area convention and visitor bureaus, Lexington Center, Blue Grass Airport and Commerce Lexington.

"New Year's Eve is a critical revenue producing period for restaurants," said Taylor "We urge the council to adapt current ordinances to facilitate a level playing field for Lexington's restaurants. We need to work harder to help these businesses that shape the entertainment and dining experience of residents and visitors to Lexington.

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Contact BHA Director Nick Ruffin at (859) 514-0083 or nruffin@AMRms.com, or visit www.bluegrasshospitality.org for more information.