Prohibition in Kentucky is still alive, but mostly in rural areas

Prohibition is not a thing of the past in Kentucky the way it is in some states, but the sale of alcohol is still a hot-button issue.

When an alcohol vote is on the ballot, it's a major hullabaloo in some places.

Earlier this month, there were five local elections to expand alcohol sales. Elizabethtown, for example, went from being "moist" — allowing alcohol by the drink in restaurants that have seating for at least 100 people — to being fully wet, allowing retail and package sales at stores.

Kentucky has more "dry" counties than wet ones, although most people live in wet counties.

According to the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control, 39 counties are completely dry; 32 are wet. But the wet-dry classification is not so cut-and-dried anymore. Counties can have a variety of designations, including "moist," "limited-50," and "small-farm winery." Some exceptions can be made for drinks by the glass at golf courses and historic sites.

Dale Emmons, a political consultant who has advised campaigns to repeal prohibition, says he does not think the state will ever be completely wet.

"There are certain cultural mores that will prevent that," he said. "There is a core belief by certain constituencies in our state that the consumption of alcohol is evil or immoral." Regardless though, he says, "there's been a number of communities that have given the modified laws a chance."

This story was originally published October 18, 2011 at 12:00 AM.