Richmond Community survey open for golf carts, Sunday alcohol-package sales

Jun. 19—Just three days after some discussion during a workshop meeting of the Richmond City Commission, a community survey is available for the public regarding Sunday package-alcohol sales and golf carts on roadways.

Tuesday, the commission reviewed an ordinance in existence which some citizens hope to change concerning alcohol sales.

Charley Hamilton, co-owner of Dreaming Creek Brewery, led the discussion and stated he would like the commission to consider making Sunday alcohol sales "more in line" with the other days of the week.

Currently, packaged alcohol sales are allowed in Richmond Monday through Saturday.

He stated other counties surrounding Madison County had contemporary laws which allowed them to be "wet" and sell malt beverages, hard liquor, and wine, which drives people out of the county with their money.

"According to my research, we are the only larger side county that restricts package sales on Sunday, Hamilton. "During the pandemic, this took away a complete day and closed our doors completely on Sunday. This hurt our sales quite a bit when we needed it, and our employees need it too."

Commissioner Ed McDaniel agreed with Hamilton.

"Charley is right," he began. "Most communities are full-blown, and we need to take a look at how to get in touch with more communities around us."

The survey includes a simple question regarding if an individual would be for, or against permitting this change.

Also on the survey, the commission is seeking advice regarding the use of golf carts on city streets.

City Manager Rob Minerich said originally, the idea was presented to him by residents of Lake Reba, who wished to drive their golf carts up to the recreational complex to see some of the games.

Now, a handful of additional citizens are seemingly behind the effort to get golf carts on the roads.

One of whom is Chris Hager, a Richmond resident who has spent ample time in Naples, Florida, where golf carts are very prominent.

In addition, Kentucky regulations allow the recreation carts to be on city roads — at the final discretion of the local legislation — based on certain criteria of inspections and permits.

If an ordinance were to be approved, those who wish to drive the carts around town would need four wheels, 35 miles per hour speed, six-person maximum, max gross vehicle weight of 2,500 pounds, headlamps, tail lamps, stop lights, front and rear signals, reflectors on each side, exterior mirror, seatbelts, a horn, parking brakes, and must be checked by the sheriff's department for permitting.

Golf carts would only be allowed on roads approved by the city commission and roadways with speed limits below 35 miles per hour.

In the survey, the city asks if people would be likely to purchase a golf cart if the ordinance was passed, and what places or businesses they would drive them to.

Finally they ask if people are for golf carts being driven on roads.

Responses will be accepted until July 18. For those who wish to take the survey, visit https://forms.gle/qk32Ni6AVCiHYbxi8.