The City of Elkton regulates the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages through its Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) program. All individuals or businesses wishing to sell or serve alcohol within city limits must comply with local and state ABC laws and obtain the appropriate licenses.
Elkton’s ABC Administrator, Captain Jakop Smith, is available to assist with the application process, answer questions about compliance, and provide guidance on maintaining a valid licenses. All license holders are responsible for ensuring their operations follow city ordinances, including hours of sale, signage requirements, and responsible alcohol service practices. Ordinance 2019-12
City Alcoholic Beverage Licenses
The City of Elkton issues local alcoholic beverage licenses in accordance with KRS 243.070. A corresponding city license is required for each applicable state license, and all fees must be paid before operating any alcohol-related business. License types and annual fees vary based on business activity, such as retail sales, distilling, catering, special events, and more. A full schedule of license types and fees is available through City Hall or by request.
License fees range from $200 to $3,000 annually, with special temporary event licenses starting at $166. Supplemental bar licenses are also available under specific conditions. Limited licenses are offered for qualifying restaurants, golf courses, historic sites, and other designated facilities as defined by Kentucky law.
All licenses, unless temporary, run from May 1st through April 30th. Licenses issued after November 1st will be prorated at half the annual fee. Failure to pay license fees on time may result in penalties, interest, or license revocation. In specific circumstances beyond the licensee’s control, partial funds may be considered.
For questions, full definitions and assistance with applications, please contact the City ABC Administrator.
How to Apply for an Alcoholic Beverage License in Elkton, Kentucky
Elkton ABC License Application
License Renewal
All alcoholic beverage licenses, except temporary event licenses, must be renewed annually. Renewal applications must be submitted to the City ABC Administrator at least 30 days before the license expiration date (April 30th). Failure to do so may result in automatic cancellation unless extenuating circumstances- such as construction delays, natural disasters, or loss of lease- prevent timely renewal. In such cases, licensees must submit a written, verified statement at least 20 days before the expiration date, and the City ABC Administrator may grant an extension at their discretion.
Renewal of a license does not excuse any prior violations and does not prevent future enforcement actions. For assistance with the renewal process or questions about eligibility, please contact the City ABC Administrator.
Elkton ABC License Renewal Application
Regulatory License Fee Information
In accordance with KRS 243.075, the City of Elkton imposes a 5% Regulatory License Fee on the gross sales of all alcoholic beverages sold by local license holders. This includes sales by the drink and package sales of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages.
Payments must be submitted monthly to the City ABC Administrator along with a completed fee return form. These funds help cover the City’s costs related to the regulation and enforcement of alcohol laws, including administrative and public safety expenses.
Late payments may result in penalties, including a 5% fee for each 90-day period (up to 25%), a minimum penalty of $10, and 8% annual interest. Failure to remit payment within 10 days of the due date may result in license suspension or revocation.
Monthly ABC Regulatory License Fee Report
License Revocation or Suspension
Alcoholic beverage licenses in the City of Elkton may be suspended or revoked by the City ABC Administrator for violations of local, state, or federal laws related to the sale, service, taxation or regulation of alcohol. This includes -but is not limited to- illegal sales, false statements on license applications, tax defaults, repeated offenses, and illegal gambling activity on licensed premises.
A license may also be revoked for any reason that would have led to denial of the license had the facts been known at the time of application.
Revocation or suspension proceedings may be initiated by the City ABC Administrator, a law enforcement officer, or a verified complaint. Licensees will receive written notice of any proposed action and have the right to a hearing, conducted under the Kentucky Administrative Procedure Act. Appeals may be filed with the ABC Board within 30 days of the City’s decision.
If a license is revoked or suspended, the licensee must immediately stop all alcohol-related operations and surrender the license. Failure to comply may result in enforcement by the Elkton Police Department. In some cases, with prior approval, the licensee may transfer their remaining alcohol inventory to another legal entity.
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