At Corbin’s Special Called Meeting, Corbin Tourism Executive Director Maggy Monhollen proposed an ordinance to the City Commission that could possibly draw more people downtown and boost local business activity.
Monhollen proposed that the city consider establishing an Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) within downtown Corbin.
If passed, this ordinance would allow patrons with a proper license at participating restaurants and bars to leave the premise with an alcoholic beverage in a specially marked cup throughout certain common areas downtown during special events.
“Tourism wants to keep Corbin a progressive city that continues to grow and draw businesses into our city,” said Monhollen. “Part of the reason I’m proposing the Entertainment Destination Center is because, as part of my position, my job is to support the businesses and help provide events that help them grow and continue to be successful.”
While giving her presentation, Monhollen said, if allowed, before the ordinance could go into effect, the city of Corbin would be required to obtain an EDC License and get approval from the state’s ABC to move forward.
The proposed EDC boundaries would be beginning from 7th Street, down Depot Street to Gordon Hill, down Main Street to Gordan Hill, and then 6th, 5th, and 4th Streets from Main Street to Depot, then proposed 3rd, 2nd, 1st Streets, from Kentucky Street to Depot Street. However, these boundaries are subject to change based on the Commission’s approval to expand or retract the area for each scheduled event.
A business that is located within the EDC and sells alcohol would be required to hold the necessary alcoholic beverage license/licenses for its premises.
“There’s all kinds of events that we have now that could be great for this,” said Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus. “We could plan future ones too.” But, she added, "This just opens us up to all kinds of opportunities."
City Commissioner Allision Moore agreed, "This is going to help our downtown merchants, and this is really a good place to start with these conversations. Overall, I think this ordinance needs to be carefully looked at and I would like to hear some input from first responders and business owners so we’re all on the same page.”
Monhollen concluded, “I think this can continue to show Corbin’s progressive nature.”
Samantha Walden, Staff Writer at the Kentucky Daily
Map by Corbin Tourism Executive
Director Maggy Monhollen, Photos by Downtown Corbin Facebook page