Nicholasville, KY Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Article VI of Chapter 3 is Nicholasville's social host ordinance, adopted as Ord. No. 860-2013 on 4-24-13. Sec. 3-81 defines a social host party, gathering, or event as a group of three (3) or more persons including a minor who have assembled or are assembling for a party, social occasion, or social activity. A minor is anyone under 21 years of age, and an adult is anyone 18 or older. The definition of residence or premises is wide: a motel or hotel room, home, yard, apartment, condominium, or other dwelling unit, or a hall or meeting room or other place of assembly, whether owned, leased, rented, or used with or without compensation.

Sec. 3-82 puts the duty on the adult having control of the premises. That adult cannot allow the party to take place or continue if any minor obtains, possesses, or consumes an alcoholic beverage, if the adult knows a minor will or does possess alcohol in violation of KRS Ch. 244, or if the adult fails to take reasonable steps to prevent that possession. Sec. 3-84 adds a presumption: when the person in control is present at the premises while a minor obtains, possesses, or consumes alcohol, that is prima facie evidence the adult knew or should have known.

Sec. 3-83 carves out two situations: legally protected religious activities, and conduct involving alcohol where the child's parent consents to or permits the use, provided no other minors are present without parental supervision. Sec. 3-101 authorizes city police officers and the city ABC administrator and investigator(s) to enforce Chapter 3.

Loud music at the same party is a separate question. Sec. 12-10(b)(9) prohibits operating or playing any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument or similar device in a way that creates a noise disturbance across a dwelling unit boundary, and Sec. 12-10(c) sets a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500 or up to six months in the Jessamine County Detention Center.