As of June 1, the gross sales of hemp drinks by the drink in bars and eating places at the moment are unlawful in Kentucky, by order of Senate Invoice 202, handed by the Kentucky Common Meeting throughout the 2025 legislative session.
“We remorse that legislative leaders have taken away a authorized, protected, non-alcoholic various from adults who merely need to drink much less alcohol,” stated Eric Zipperle, CEO and co-founder of Cornbread Hemp. “However till our drinks grow to be unlawful on June 1, we need to have a good time one final completely happy hour with our associates at Hauck’s.”
Hemp Beverage Gross sales Carveout
Though the consumption of hemp drinks will now be handled as contraband in eating places and bars, advocates for these merchandise have been in a position to safe a carve-out in SB202 for gross sales at festivals and festivals for the rest of the yr, in keeping with Cornbread Hemp. This carve-out expires on January 1, 2026.
“Cornbread Hemp is excited by sponsoring occasions for the rest of this yr that safe momentary occasion licenses from the ABC,” stated co-founder Jim Higdon. “For those who’re a pageant organizer, please attain out. However in order for you any hemp product at an occasion subsequent yr, you must discuss to legislators right now.”
To mark the solemn event of the onset of hemp beverage by-the-drink prohibition, Cornbread Hemp held an occasion in Louisville on Friday, Could thirtieth, to boost one final Cornbread earlier than the hemp beverage gross sales ban started.
What the Hemp Beverage Gross sales Ban Means
In an announcement, State Sen. Julie Raque-Adams (R-Louisville) stated the sale of hemp drinks in bars and eating places is a well being and security challenge.
“We have been listening to studies of kids getting their fingers on them, and so they have been being offered in locations that didn’t historically promote intoxicating merchandise. So, we actually wanted to wrap our arms round it, and put some guardrails on cannabis-infused drinks,” she stated.
Now, Kentucky residents can solely buy hemp drinks in choose liquor shops throughout the state.
