Council to have special meeting for first reading of open-carry ordinance so it can take effect for fall meet

Google map adapted by Midway Messenger uses Xs to show
the limits of the proposed entertainment destination center.

Mayor Grayson Vandegrift has called a special meeting of the City Council for 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall to hold first reading of the proposed "entertainment destination center" ordinance that would allow open containers of alcoholic beverages in a designated area at certain times.

"No action will be taken," the mayor said in an email, adding that second reading will be at the next regular meeting on Sept. 3 (a Tuesday due to Labor Day). An ordinance can pass after two readings.

Vandegrift said the special meeting is needed because state law requires a 30-day notice before the law can take effect, and he wants to have it in effect by Oct. 5 for the beginning of the fall meet at Keeneland Race Course, to justify the $2,800 cost of the special permit. "Otherwise the permit application price seems imprudent until we could get a pro-rated price in January," he wrote.

All council meetings are open to the public.