ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) PROGRAM

To legally sell and/or serve alcoholic beverages within the City of Covington, businesses must hold valid Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses through two governing agencies:

1. Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (State ABC)
2. City of Covington, Kentucky Government (Local ABC)

The Covington ABC Administrator reviews applications for the various license types to ensure each applicant is in compliance before local approval is granted to the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or a 2:30 AM Permit hearing is scheduled before the Covington Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Apply for Local ABC License(s)

The City of Covington’s ABC Program provides you the ability to apply for Local ABC licenses online or on paper.

Click here to access the online Local ABC license application portal.

Click here to access the ABC police department background check form.

Paper applications may be obtained by emailing the Covington ABC Administrator at CovLegal@covingtonky.gov.

Renew Local ABC License(s)

When it is time to renew your Local ABC license(s), the Covington ABC Administrator will contact you via email at the email address provided on your most recent application.

If your contact information changes, please contact the Covington ABC Administrator with this information as soon as possible to ensure timely and effective communication regarding your Local ABC license(s).

Covington Code of Ordinances, Ch. 112: Alcoholic Beverages

In addition to applicable State ABC laws and regulations, all current and prospective Local ABC license holders and/or applicants should familiarize themselves with Covington Code of Ordinances, Ch. 112: Alcoholic Beverages. This Chapter sets forth the City of Covington’s ABC laws and regulations.

Regular ABC License

Any business or corporation interested in selling alcoholic beverages is required to obtain both a State and Local ABC license. A regular ABC license registers the business to legally sell alcoholic beverages. The application fee varies by license type, and is prorated according to the date of application.

Batch ABC License

To qualify for batch licensing, the applicant must be a business or corporation with more than two licensed premises in Kentucky. The application fee varies by license type, and it prorated according to the date of application.

Temporary/Temporary Auction ABC License

Any qualifying event that will be selling and/or serving alcohol and that is open to the public, including ticketed events or events where admission is charged, requires both a State and Local ABC license. Please call our office as early as possible before your event date. The application fee is $50.00.

If you or your organization is hosting or sponsoring an event that uses, or will likely have a large impact on, public or City-owned property, such as streets or parks, you will be required to obtain a Special Event Permit from the City Manager’s Office as well.

2:30 AM Permit

Properties not abutting a residential use in a residential zoning district are able to apply for this permit which allows for the sale of alcoholic beverages between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. The applicant must already be in possession of a valid, qualifying ABC license and a valid Zoning Permit certifying that the establishment is properly zoned for the extended hours permit, which must be submitted along with the application. Once the application is submitted and accepted, the Covington ABC Administrator will schedule a hearing before the Covington ABC Board, who will make final determination of approval or denial. The full review process takes up to 30 days from submission. The application fee is $5,000.00, and is prorated according to the date of application.

Questions about Local ABC licensing should be directed to the Covington ABC Administrator at (859) 292-2311 or CovLegal@covingtonky.gov.

Questions about State ABC licensing should be directed to the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at (502) 564-4850 or abc.info@ky.gov. Additional information can be found online at https://abc.ky.gov/.