LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – City records obtained by the WAVE News Troubleshooters cast doubt on claims made by the Louisville Hospitality Association that a potential moist vote in the Highlands would immediately shut down 25 businesses and eliminate 500 jobs.
Records from three restaurants with liquor licenses along Bardstown Road show all three already clear the 70% food sales threshold that would be required if the moist petition passes.
What a moist designation would mean
If enough signatures are gathered, a figure that will be known after Aug. 11, residents could vote on whether the strip of Bardstown Road goes moist. Under a moist designation, alcohol could only be sold with a meal, and restaurants would be required to generate at least 70% of their sales from food. Currently, restaurants with liquor licenses must prove they make 50% of their sales from food.
What the records show
The Troubleshooters requested city records for three restaurants with liquor licenses, based on their most recent renewals in October. Jack Fry’s, Impellizzeri’s, and Dittos all showed food sales above the 70% bar. Jack Fry’s was the closest, at 71%.
On Thursday, the Hospitality Association said the vote, if passed, would immediately shut down 25 businesses and cost 500 jobs. Jack Fry’s also posted a statement suggesting many restaurants would struggle and asked neighbors to carefully consider the moist petition…