Dine. Drink. Discover: Winchester to allow people to walk around with alcohol in hand

WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) — The city of Winchester is now an Entertainment Destination Center (EDC), allowing locals and visitors to walk around downtown with an alcoholic beverage in hand. All they need is a specially marked cup.

City officials said the EDC will not only drive foot traffic but also be fun. From outdoor attractions to local boutiques and unique dining experiences, there will be something for everyone to enjoy here in downtown Winchester. The district will be marked with signs showing when and where you can share a drink while out and about.

Right now, more than 10 businesses are participating, and the city hopes that number grows. The goal is to enhance the experience downtown and hopefully boost some business in the process.

“People come downtown maybe because they have a favorite restaurant but then can we encourage them to then go shop at a local boutique or stop in and paint pottery at the local pottery studio or something along those lines just to make downtown more of a destination than a one-stop for a restaurant or a particular boutique or something like that?” asked Whitney Leggett, strategic communications and downtown development director for Winchester.

Approved in 2024, the goal of the EDC is to drive the local economy for years to come. The city of Winchester is hoping this small change will make a big impact.

Engine House Pizza Pub is one business participating; its owner, Chad T. Walker, said this new ordinance will help businesses open up a path for a lot more opportunities and exposure.

“More than anything, I think what it will do is allow patrons that want to come over and just have a good time and have a glass of wine or, you know, a couple craft beers or something like that. They can walk from our place to other restaurants; they can walk into shops that are participating, and so it becomes a weeklong sip and stroll. It’s a really cool thing,” said Walker.

The initiative is already in effect, but this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration will serve as its official launch. The St. Paddy’s Day pub crawl will feature a ribbon cutting and historic toast at Engine House Pizza Pub. The festivities kick off at 3 p.m.

“There’s just so much to offer in downtown Winchester, and we want people to take advantage of that and we think that this is just a great way to enhance your experience when you come to downtown Winchester and we hope that people will come and buy a drink and stroll around,” said Leggett.

For more information about the EDC, participating businesses, hours, and how you can get involved, click here.