NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport is the latest Kentucky city to consider creating an entertainment district.

What You Need To Know

  • A new proposal would allow people in Newport to walk around Monmouth Street with alcoholic drinks and even bring them inside to some businesses

  • The Newport Board of Commissioners had its first reading of the ordinance on Monday

  • People would have to consume their drinks from designated cups

  • It’s a concept other Kentucky cities have introduced in recent years.

This would allow people to walk around outside with alcoholic drinks and bring them into other businesses within a designated area.

Teresa Smith’s business has been on Monmouth Street in Newport for nine years. Urban Chick Boutique and Bar gives shoppers the chance to find something new to wear or get their hair done while enjoying a glass of wine.

A new proposal would extend that concept outside of her business, allowing people to walk around Monmouth Street with their drinks and even bring them inside to some businesses like hers.

“It has been talked about for a few years now. We could never really lock it down to where they wanted to do it,” Smith said. “I really have no problem with it. I feel like they have to control it. And that’s the only setback I think that could happen. But as long as I feel like Newport controls it, it should be a great thing for the businesses around the street.”

The Newport Board of Commissioners had its first reading of the ordinance on Monday.

The Newport Entertainment District would extend from 3rd Street to 11th Street on Monmouth. People would have to consume their drinks from designated cups. It’s a concept other Kentucky cities have introduced in recent years.

Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli spoke about the potential benefits.

“It boosts local businesses. It enhances tourism. It creates vibrant places. It increases foot traffic,” Guidugli said.

But there were also questions and concerns raised both from city commissioners and former mayor and current Monmouth business owner Jerry Peluso. Peluso said he thinks more alcohol could create more problems.

“You have vandalism. You have graffiti. Public urination,” he said. “I’ve seen multiple fights. We just had one two weeks ago.”

Commissioner Ken Rechtin said, “I would suggest that if we’re going to try to attempt it, we do it on events only.”

Despite those reservations, Guidugli said the proposal does come after repeated requests from the business community.

Smith says bring it on.

“It’ll help us. I think the businesses around here can be a little more cohesive, referring people up and down,” she said.

Business owners not on board would be able to opt out of people coming into their buildings with drinks.

Newport’s city manager said the city would start with three blocks for the entertainment district to test it out before expanding. A second reading will happen in October. It would then need state approval.

Related Stories