State seeks to keep Ky. liquor law in place

Kentucky officials and a package liquor store are asking a federal judge to stop enforcement of a ruling that would allow grocery stores and other outlets to sell alcohol.  In motions filed Wednesday, the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and The Party Source store told U.S. District Judge John Heyburn expanding liquor sales while they appeal would cause irreparable harm to them.  Heyburn ruled in August the Commonwealth’s law barring grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers from selling wine and liquor is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.  The state and liquor store say they plan to appeal the decision.