WINCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) – Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the City of Winchester is opening the ‘Downtown Winchester Entertainment Destination Center.’
The EDC will allow people to sip on an alcoholic beverage and stroll through downtown on weekends and during festivals and events.
“It’s a really neat addition. It just makes Winchester that much cooler,” said Chad Walker, Co-Owner of Engine House Pub & Pizza Parlour.
Winchester’s new EDC is similar to one in Lexington’s Warehouse Block on National Avenue.
“Maybe there’s a really long wait here. You can have a glass of wine or a cup of beer, and you can kind of stroll down the street and come back when your table is ready.”
Walker says he helped spearhead the initiative.
“It’s at the finish line because all the downtown businesses have really rallied and pushed the city to make this a reality,” said Walker.
The EDC was approved by the Winchester Board of Commissioners in 2024.
“Maybe you come down because you have a favorite restaurant, but then this will encourage you to take your drink and explore downtown Winchester,” said Whitney Leggett with the city.
The biggest thing the city wants people to know is that it’s not going to be a free-for-all. When you go to a participating business and you want to take your drink out with you, you’re going to get a designated cup marked with a sticker from where you got that drink.
The EDC is marked by signs. It covers several blocks shown here. 10 restaurants have agreed to participate.
“The designated hours right now are Friday, Saturday and Sunday during regular ABC hours,” said Walker. “The rest of the week, you can’t do it unless you get special permission from the city.”
Walker says it’ll be great for the city’s various festivals and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.
“We’re going to be able to bring back our warehouse block parties this summer because of it. It allows for so much greater flexibility.”
“Laws around alcohol still apply in EDC. There is going to be a law enforcement presence, and you’re still expected to be responsible when you’re drinking alcohol,” said Leggett.
The official kickoff for the EDC and a ribbon cutting will be this Saturday at 3 p.m. at The Engine House Pub & Pizza Parlour. Everyone is welcome.
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