GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. — Tuesday night, Garrard County voters approved a referendum which would make the county the 64th completely wet county in Kentucky. Previously, the county was considered moist, as alcohol sales were only allowed in Lancaster.

Voters in Garrard County approved that measure 66% to 34% Tuesday night. Now, restaurants and other businesses, like Shenanigans in Buckeye, that aren’t in the city of Lancaster can now sell alcohol if they choose to do so.

“We’ve talked about it in the past because it had been brought up before it even became part of the ballot,” said Robbie Turdor, owner of Shenanigans.

Tudor, a Garrard County native, opened Shenanigans in 2021. He remembers when Lancaster approved alcohol sales in 2008.

“It was definitely a big change whenever it first became wet in the city, but it helped with Lancaster’s growth,” Tudor said.

Tudor says it’s become a weekend staple for its ribeye steak specials. He tries to air as many UK games as possible, with many asking about beer and Tudor having to tell them no.

“I think it would be a much larger attraction if we could air the games and sell a beer just to draw a little bit more people in. I think it’d be great for business,” Tudor said.

The restaurant is a step back in time, but voters in the county are now hoping to move forward.

“There’s a ton of people that drive from all over the place to get here. As you can see, we try to keep it low-key, comfortable. A lot of people come for the nostalgia,” Tudor said.

Tudor also believes the wet status will attract new businesses to the county.

The change won’t be immediate. Per the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control, prohibition ceases 60 days after an election is certified by the County Clerk. Then interested businesses can apply for a liquor license.

Only 10 counties in Kentucky remain completely dry.