Elkton residents could decide whether or not to allow alcohol sales in that city when they vote in the 2019 May primary election.
An intent to petition was filed Friday at the Todd County Clerk’s Office by three people—Rhonda Werner, Laura Brock and Elkton City Councilman Michael Case.
They will need signatures from a number of people that equals at least 25 percent of those who voted in the 2018 general election—which would be just shy of 200 registered voters—to get the initiative on the May ballot.
Werner says they have already gathered a small number of signatures, but they only began their effort Friday. The deadline to reach the necessary number of signatures is January 29th, if they are to get it on the May ballot.
Elkton City Attorney Jeff Traughber says ballot initiatives concerning alcohol sales no longer specify regarding by the drink or packaged sales. It’s likely the question would simply ask the voter if he or she is in favor of alcohol sales within the city limits of Elkton.
If the initiative is successful, Traughber says Elkton could have up to two packaged liquor stores. He doesn’t believe Kentucky Revised Statutes would limit the number of establishments that could sell alcohol by the drink.
Elkton’s grocery store, gas stations, and Dollar General could sell beer if they desired to do so—if the vote were to go in favor of alcohol sales.
Werner says the Make Elkton Wet group believes alcohol sales would boost economic growth in Todd County’s largest city.
Elkton Mayor-Elect Arthur Green says he is going to let the process play out and he will not be advocating for or against alcohol sales at this time.
Guthrie approved alcohol sales by a 196-62 vote in 2011 and alcohol sales failed on an 80-51 vote in Trenton in 2017.