Patrons in downtown Owensboro can now stroll the Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) with a drink in hand any day of the week.
The Owensboro City Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved changes to an ordinance that removes the weekday restrictions for open-container privileges within the EDC. Previously, alcohol could only be carried in designated green cups during specific weekend hours or with a special permit Monday through Thursday.
“This ordinance allows patrons in the district downtown to carry alcohol in the green cups Monday through Thursday, anytime,” said City Manager Nate Pagan. “Right now, they’re able to do that on the weekends — Friday through Sunday — but Monday through Thursday is by permit only. This just removes the permit requirement and allows it to be carried anytime alcohol is sold.”
The EDC encompasses a large portion of downtown Owensboro, covering areas such as the Owensboro Convention Center, portions of Smothers Park, and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. The City first created the district in 2018 and expanded weekend hours in 2020.
The latest change amends Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-57 of the Owensboro Municipal Code. Under the new language, alcoholic beverages can be carried within EDC common areas “any time when alcoholic beverages are legally sold.”
City officials said existing safety and security protocols, such as requiring drinks to be in designated disposable cups and prohibiting alcohol outside of the EDC boundaries, will remain in place. Businesses must still hold the appropriate beverage licenses.
