A bill to legalize the possession of alcoholic beverages on tourism related bicycle wagons has cleared its first legislative hurdle.
The measure was approved today by the House Licensing and Occupations Committee.
The original bill included a provision to license the possession of alcoholic beverages at sports tailgating events.
Shelbyville Representative Brad Montell says that section was pulled from the bill.
"We have individuals, in public, that are drinking and technically, that's against the law," said Montell. "And so, the ABC was trying to address that issue, but we didn't get there."
"It will simply bring more tourism into the state and into cities like Louisville and Lexington where this would be going on."
Montell says the Kentucky Department of Alcohol Beverage Control will continue to research the issue during the legislative interim.
Meanwhile, if adopted, the measure would impact businesses like the 'Thirsty Pedaler' in Louisville. The company operates 15 passenger bicycle carts that riders pedal to bars on selected routes. Currently, no alcohol beverages are allowed on the carts.
