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| Kentucky winery seeking to sell liquor on Sundays |
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PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — A small winery operator in western Kentucky says sales are ahead of expectations since opening this summer but could be even stronger if local officials allowed him to do business on Sunday.
Allen Dossey, operator of Purple Toad Winery, has submitted a petition to the McCracken County Fiscal Court asking to amend a Sunday liquor sales ordinance to include small farm wineries. Currently, the only county business allowed to sell liquor on Sundays is Rolling Hills Country Club.
“Sunday would be the No. 2 largest sales day, second to Saturday,” Dossey told The Paducah Sun. “It would greatly enhance our business, and would help the local economy. Wineries serve as a tourist hub and would help other businesses in the community.”
Commissioner Jerry Beyer said his initial reaction is to support the petition, but before making a commitment wants to hear the views of others at a workshop expected to be held within 60 days.
Judge-Executive Van Newberry and Commissioner Ronnie Freeman said they’d reserve making their views public until after the workshop. Commissioner Zana Renfro said she intends to support it. Dossey said Sunday sales would allow him to compete with wineries in nearby southern Illinois and would enhance his expansion plans.
Dossey said he recently closed on the purchase of 13.37 acres of adjoining property. It will be used for a restaurant and banquet facilities large enough to host more than 100 people.
Dossey and his wife operate the winery with a few part-time employees. He grows his own grapes, but also buys fruit from others because business has been brisk.
He said he thought he’d sell about 10,000 bottles during his first six to eight months of operation. But since July 1, he has already sold 5,000 bottles. He has a capacity to produce 25,000 bottles a year and said he may reach that by next summer. |
| 9/24/2009 |
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