Petitions are actively being circulated in hopes of having a "Wet/Dry" election in Carter County this fall. A member of the Carter County Tourism Commission addressed Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce members and guests Thursday, and explained 2,500 signatures will be needed to have an alcohol-sales question added to the local ballot in November.
Chris Perry emphasized he was speaking as a member of the county tourism agency, and not in his capacity as general manager of Carter Caves State Resort Park.
"I am not a drinker. I have never taken a drink in my life, but it is going to keep my doors open," Perry said, later noting the lodge at the park near Olive Hill is one of only four state parks in Kentucky where guests are not allowed the option to purchase beer or wine with meals.
Perry said blank copies of the petition will be made available, and asked for help seeking signatures of registered voters in communities such as Carter City, Globe and Upper Tygart, noting additional tax revenues from alcohol sales would benefit the county overall.
The petitions state - "We the undersigned registered voters hereby petition for an election on the following question: Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Carter County?"
The petitions ask for a name, signature, resident address, and birth date. Nicknames may not be used, and all petitions must be returned no later than September 20.
For more information, dial (606) 474-5366 and press 0.