A bill on its way to the Kentucky House changes the financial requirements for establishing a public entertainment district. The legislation passed out of the Senate last week.
Senator Steve West of Paris is the bill sponsor. He said city officials believe such a designation could help the northeastern Kentucky town better tap into the popularity of the Bourbon Trail.
“Northern Kentucky just did a gateway Bourbon Trail push and they’re going to include the B Line which goes to Maysville,” said West. “So, we’re trying to take advantage of that. But, it’s not just a Maysville bill. It really is for the entire state.”
The B line is the name given to an extension of the Bourbon Trail.
West said the change had been requested by city officials in Maysville who would like to try create a district to boost tourism dollars.
“What I envision, what they envision is a river boat comes down the river and offloads at Maysville. And people can just walk off the boat as, almost like a cruise ship and, wander around the historic district,” said West.
The senate bill lowers the public fee for an entertainment district designation from $7,500 to $2,577. West said the higher license fee remains the same for private entities.
“Cities can be creative. Counties can be creative. It’s important to note that all the criteria for anything like this is already in statute,” said West. “So, as long as they meet that criteria that are currently set out in statute, they are allowed to have these entertainment districts.”
