Corbin’s three package liquor licenses issued

The businesses owned by Ernie and Kevin Durham, Bill Smith and Wanda Simons and Jack Taylor, respectively, were chosen from among the 12 applications submitted.

“There were a lot of good choices,” said Corbin Alcoholic Beverage Control Officer Bruce Rains

Rains said he had little if any input into the decision, noting that Dan Reed, Distilled Spirits Administrator with the state ABC has made multiple visits to Corbin over the last several weeks to examine the proposed sites.

“Location became the deciding factor,” Rains said. “These are spread out across the city.”

In the approval letters sent out to each of the business owners Reed noted that the businesses should be ready for final inspection by Oct. 31.

In the event that the business is unable to open by that date, the owner(s) are asked to contact ABC and explain the circumstances.

Smith said based on the renovations planned to turn the former car dealership into a liquor store, it will likely be closer to Thanksgiving before the doors are open and he has already explained that to ABC officials.

When the store, which will encompass approximately 10,000 square feet, is finished, Smith said he and Simons want to make it a place where customers can come and get everything they need to throw a party.

“We want to expresss our appreciation for Mr. Forcht for the opportunity to use this location,” Smith said.

We want to thank the city leaders for their input.”

Neither Taylor nor Durham could be reached for comment Friday.

Corbin voters approved the proposal to legalize the sale of package liquor within the city limits in February.

The Corbin City Commission approved the ordinance setting out how and when package alcohol may be sold in April.

Under the terms of the ordinance, Corbin will receive five percent of the gross sales from package liquor.

The taxes are to be paid on a monthly. Corbin officials are expecting the first report on July 23.