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Henderson Restaurants, Bars Get Slight Financial Reprieve Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

Hickory and Oak

Some economic relief is coming to restaurants and bars struggling under COVID-19 restrictions in one western Kentucky city. 

Henderson Mayor Steve Austin is granting a 12-month waiver on alcoholic beverage license renewal fees for all businesses that sell alcohol.

Establishments that haven’t paid their fees this year can postpone payment until 2021 and those that have already paid fees this year will not pay in 2021. 

Governor Andy Beshear imposed a ban on indoor seating last month amid a surge in new cases of the coronavirus.  Restrictions are scheduled to be lifted Dec. 13, but Austin says restaurants and bars will be struggling beyond that date.

“Where they really are affected, they host a lot of Christmas parties and they’re not going to be able to do that this year, even after December 13 because of the crowd size and distancing situations," explained Austin.

Besides restaurants and bars, local licensees that qualify include private clubs, wineries, breweries, caterers, racetracks, and state parks. 

The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced last month it was also giving a 12-month waiver on alcoholic beverage license renewal fees.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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