Kentucky Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Alcohol can be purchased from 6 a.m. to midnight in restaurants, retail package stores, and bars. Alcohol is only sold on Sundays in restaurants that are in areas with more lenient local laws.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
At 21, an individual can legally consume alcohol. At 20, a person can work as a bartender or in a restaurant that serves alcohol, in a package store, or can transport alcohol. At age 18, a person can sell beer.

Open Container Laws
As neither the driver nor passengers in a vehicle can consume alcohol, all previously opened containers of alcohol must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

If a driver tests with a BAC that is .18 percent above the legal limit of .08 percent, they may face more harsh penalties.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 30 days for the first offense, one year for the second offense, and two years for the third offense.

The state is able to confiscate a driver’s vehicle either permanently or temporarily due to a DUI conviction, mainly for repeat offenders. The installation of an ignition interlock device is also a penalty option, which requires the driver to take a breath-test before the vehicle will start. The offender may also be required to undergo alcohol education, treatment, or assessment for alcohol abuse.

After the third conviction, DUI is considered a felony.