PKY Downtown Entertainment District - City of Paris, Kentucky

Welcome to the PKY Downtown Entertainment District, created to strengthen downtown Paris, support our local small businesses, and create a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents and visitors.

Main Street in downtown Paris lined with storefronts, with the Bourbon County Courthouse dome in the distance — Main Street, inside the district, with the Bourbon County Courthouse dome in the distance. Photo: Bobby Shiflet (outside website, opens in a new tab)

Visiting the District →When it's active, the rules, and the boundary map.
Participating as a Business →Eligibility, steps, and the application.

Visit the District

The district is only active during approved events. The Board of Commissioners or the City's ABC Administrator approves each event. Activations are announced on City social media and by the event host. Not sure? Call the ABC Administrator at (859) 987-2110.

Hours & Essential Rules

When

Only during City-approved events, at the hours the City sets for each event. When the district isn't active, drinks can't leave the business where you bought them.

Age

You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to buy or possess alcohol in the district.

The cup

Carry your drink in a clear, City-approved district cup marked with the vendor. Cups are single-use and good only for the event where they were issued.

Where you can go

Common areas inside the boundary, and other participating businesses. Look for the ED Friendly window sticker.

Businesses that opt out

If a business posts a "No Beverages Allowed" sign, it isn't participating. Don't bring your drink inside.

The boundary

Don't leave the district with alcohol. Patrons who do may be cited or arrested.

Do

Buy drinks only from participating businesses.
Use the clear, City-approved district cup.
Enjoy shopping, dining, and events. Families and non-drinkers are welcome.
Throw cups away in trash or recycling bins.

Don't

Bring your own alcohol or outside drinks, including cans and glass bottles.
Refill or reuse a cup from a past event.
Cross the district boundary with alcohol.
Ignore signs at businesses that don't participate.

Paris Police and/or security staff monitor the district during active events.

Participating Businesses

Participating businesses display a City-provided ED Friendly sign at every public entrance and where drinks are sold. Look for the sign before you enter with a drink.

District Boundary Map

Aerial map of downtown Paris with the district boundary outlined along Main Street and around Courthouse Square. A text description is next to the map.

In words: the district covers both sides of Main Street from 8th Street to Bank Row Street, plus the area around Courthouse Square.

North: ends at Bank Row Street, so Courthouse Square is included.
South: ends where Main Street meets 8th Street.
East: the properties along Main Street.
West: the properties along Main Street. At Ardery Place, it widens to High Street to take in Courthouse Square.
Ardery Place and Bank Row Street are included from Main Street to High Street.

View the interactive district map (City GIS map, outside website, opens in a new tab)

Open the district map (PDF, 1998 KB) (opens in a new tab)

Events & Downtown

Looking for downtown events? The Paris-Bourbon County Tourism Commission (outside website, opens in a new tab) lists events and attractions across Paris and Bourbon County.

Eiffel Tower replica in a downtown Paris courtyard, with two people seated on a bench — Eiffel Tower replica in a downtown courtyard. Photo: Bobby Shiflet (outside website, opens in a new tab)

Historic brick building and a memorial along a downtown Paris sidewalk — Historic building and memorial on a downtown sidewalk. Photo: Bobby Shiflet (outside website, opens in a new tab)

A train passes the historic Paris train depot as diners sit on the porch — The historic Paris train depot. Photo: Bobby Shiflet (outside website, opens in a new tab)

Become a Participating Business

Participation is voluntary. The district is Paris's official Entertainment Destination Center (EDC), established by City Ordinance 2024-35 and licensed by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Confirm eligibilityYour business is inside the district and holds the proper Kentucky alcohol licenses.
Review the guide and ordinanceRead the Business Participation Guide and City Code § 62.200 and following.
Submit the applicationReturn the Participation Application to the City of Paris, 525 High Street.
Sign the agreementEvery participating business signs a Participation Agreement with the City.
Train staff and post signsTrain employees on district rules and keep training records. Post the City-provided sign at every public entrance and sales point.
Serve in approved cupsUse clear district cups marked with your vendor ID, and check IDs for everyone.

Not participating? Notify the City and post the Non-Participant Notice. The agreement stays in effect until either side ends it in writing. A new owner must apply and be approved.

Applications & Official Documents

For businesses

Reference

Questions & Contact

ContactCity of Paris ABC Administrator
AddressCity Hall, 525 High Street, Paris, KY 40361
HoursMonday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Phone(859) 987-2110
Emailmbelcher@paris.ky.gov

Page last updated: September 30, 2026