Georgetown, KY Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Georgetown handles sidewalk dining inside its alcoholic beverage chapter, in Sec. 4-107, rather than in a stand-alone sidewalk ordinance. Patio and outdoor alcohol sales must be on premises licensed for sales by the drink, and an outdoor area must be enclosed by a fence or screening not less than three feet high. Seasonal sidewalk cafes are the exception, granted on application to the administrator, and downtown business district licensees can request relief from the screening rule. A permitted sidewalk cafe is deemed part of the licensed premises and stays subject to local zoning authorities, code enforcement and public safety officers.

Eligibility is narrow. Only a food establishment that operates a restaurant and is licensed under the chapter and the state ABC code can apply, and it can expand onto only the part of the public sidewalk that immediately adjoins its premises. Licensees who do not serve food are not eligible. The administrator can issue the permit only after finding that the applicant is licensed and complies with every license condition, holds all necessary building and use permits including zoning administrator certification that a sidewalk cafe is permitted at that location, and that issuance would not cause significant adverse land use impacts.

The conditions are specific. A minimum clearance width of 36 inches must be kept on the public sidewalk at all times, and the restaurant entrance and exit cannot be obstructed. Umbrellas, tables, chairs and other portable items stay inside the area shown on the approved permit and must be kept clean and sanitary. Trees, light poles, traffic signals, pull boxes, manholes and public maintenance work take precedence over the cafe. Amplified sound and dancing are barred, disposable cups are barred, and no alcohol can leave the premises with patrons. The permit cannot be assigned or transferred.

No permit takes effect until the licensee files evidence of liability insurance in an amount the administrator sets, with the city named as an additional insured and a policy that cannot be canceled except on ten days' written notice or more. The administrator can add reasonable restrictions or withdraw approval without adverse hearing procedures to protect public health, safety or welfare or to prevent a nuisance.