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Cheers to the Cov! Covington bars, restaurants can now serve alcohol earlier on Sundays

No change in sales for liquor stores
Posted at 5:37 PM, Oct 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-26 17:40:40-04

COVINGTON, Ky. -- A sports bar owner hopes that serving alcohol earlier on Sundays will draw Bengals tailgaters to northern Kentucky.

Covington city leaders voted on Tuesday to allow bars and restaurants to start selling alcohol at 9 a.m. -- two hours earlier than before.

Johnny Philippo, owner of House of Orange Sports Bar and Grill, said his restaurant sees consistent crowds on Sundays, especially on game days.

“Sunday morning with overseas premiere soccer it’ll help us compete as a whole of Covington with downtown Cincinnati brunch,” Philippo said.

With House of Orange located within walking distance to Downtown, Philippo said he thinks the earlier serving time will bring more Sunday morning tailgaters to the Cov.

“It’s a huge benefit for us,” he said. “I think it’ll go a long way.”

Covington City Manager David Johnston called the move a “good change.” City leaders hope the earlier time will boost business for several river city spots.

The change isn’t specific to Covington, Johnston said. Other cities in Kentucky have already taken a similar step in alcohol sales.

“Also you’re finding that this type of arrangements are already across the river in many Ohio communities,” Johnston said.

Liquor and convenience stores will still begin alcohol sales at 11 a.m. on Sundays.