A review of alcohol sales in Leitchfield since a vote to approve package stores operating inside city limits was passed in 2016 reveals some somewhat surprising numbers.
Between October 2016, when package store alcohol sales began, and April 2019, $8,907,915 worth of alcohol (including beer, liquor, and malt beverages) has been sold. By-the-drink alcohol sales during the same time frame amounted to $574,994.
The six-percent regulatory fees collected by the city during that time was $533,935. That revenue, by statute, is earmarked for two specific government entities — city government administrative fees related to alcohol sales (e.g. ABC coordinator), and the Leitchfield Police Department.
LPD uses the revenue to enhance alcohol-related enforcement as well as provide alcohol education in schools.
Between May 2017 and July 2017, a total of $1.1 million worth of alcohol (package stores and by-the-drink) was sold in Leitchfield, the most alcohol sold during any three month period since package store sales began.
Between May 2018 and October 2018, $2.1 million worth of alcohol was sold in Leitchfield, the most alcohol sold during any six month period since package store sales began.
Data for alcohol sales since May 2019 is not yet available, but if 2018’s alcohol sales numbers for the summer months is applied to the summer of 2019, total alcohol sales in Leitchfield since package stores began operating is approximately $10 million.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
