Louisville precinct votes to ban alcohol sales following wet/dry vote

Residents in Clifton and Clifton Heights have voted to ban the sale of alcohol in their district, with 60.8% of voters answering "no" to the question, "Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Jefferson County precinct N163?"

This will directly affect Virtue Bar and Lounge, which makes about 40% of its revenue from alcohol sales, owner Toney Frank said.

But that was the point.

The proposed measure was put on the ballot after a successful petition started by neighbors, who associate crime and nuisance behavior with the presence of Virtue Bar and Lounge.

The restaurant, nightclub and hookah bar moved to a building off Brownsboro Road a little over a year ago. Now, Virtue Bar will be forced to stop selling alcohol, move or go out of business.

Election results: Follow the local and state voting results by clicking here

The district will go dry 60 days "from the date of the entry of the certificate of the county board of election commissioners in the order book of the county/judge executive," according to state law.

More: How many neighbors does it take to ban alcohol sales? What a Louisville bar is facing

"Virtue Bar and Lounge is a hub for a lot of culture catalysts, community events and provides not only income but a place the community feels welcome," Frank said prior to the vote.

There is a Family Dollar in the same plaza that sells beer. Its ABC license will be stripped and another prospective business will not be able to open. Marathon Liquor has filed several applications to operate a liquor store next to the bar. With alcohol sales banned, this business model would be unable to run legally.

This story will be updated.

Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or at @ellie_mccrary on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville precinct votes to ban alcohol sales in wet/dry vote