FRANKFORT – Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, has pre-filed a bill to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink at designated state parks.
Senator Harper Angel’s bill (BR 315) would allow a local option election for state resort parks and qualified state recreational parks in dry territory.
“This legislation is important in the promotion of economic development and tourism at state parks in Kentucky,” she explained. “We have wonderful state parks and these facilities need to be utilitized more often by in-state and out-of-state visitors. This bill sets the qualifiers for parks to obtain an alcohol license as well as directs how the local option election is to be held.”
Qualifying parks include those with a full-service lodge and dining room or a park with a nine or 18-hole golf course.
“State resorts and state recreational parks need to be able to compete on a level playing field to attract our traveling public,” said Senator Harper Angel. “This legislation will allow the parks to vie for more tourism dollars.”
Once a local option election is held and the referendum passes, the state park would have to obtain a license to sell drinks by the glass at the park or at public or private functions held on the premises.
The Department of Parks projects a best case revenue estimate of $3.9 million annually if alcohol sales by the drink are approved at the state parks. This projection is based upon increases in both the number of rounds of golf played as well as higher occupancy rates and more meals sold at the lodges.
Senator Harper Angel’s bill will be considered during the 2010 Legislative Session.
Senator Harper Angel, who represents the 35th District, has served in the State Senate since 2005.
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Note: For a high-res. JPEG photo file of Senator Harper Angel, please log on to www.lrc.state.ky.us/pubinfo/ephoto.htm.