Frankfort, K.Y. – Governor Steve Beshear today signed into law a bill repealing  America’s strictest ban on Election Day alcohol sales, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, which called Kentucky’s modernization the latest in a trend of states updating antiquated liquor laws.

Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, allows a retailer to sell alcohol during the hours the polls are open on a primary, or regular, local option, or special election day across Kentucky.  The new law takes effect June 24th.

“The Election Day sales ban is a relic from a bygone era when saloons sometimes served as polling stations,” said DISCUS Vice President Jay Hibbard, whose organization has aggressively supported rolling back Blue Laws in states across the country.  “Blue laws don’t make sense in today’s economy and we applaud Governor Beshear for recognizing this outdated restriction and removing it.  Repealing the Election Day sales ban will increase revenues—benefitting the state, counties and cities.”

Six States Have Repealed Bans Since 2008

Hibbard pointed out that Kentucky is now the sixth state since 2008 to repeal a ban on Election Day alcohol sales.  The five other states include  West Virginia (2011), Indiana (2010), Utah (2009), Idaho (2008) and Delaware (2008).

South Carolina remains the only state in the entire country which still clings to statewide Election Day sales bans of alcohol at restaurants, bars and package stores.

“Repealing these silly Prohibition-era restrictions is a great way for legislators to boost tourism and help small businesses around the state,” Hibbard concluded.