Residents oppose proposed Glendale Farms liquor store; Jefferson County denies application 2–1

The Jefferson County Commission voted 2–1 to deny beverage case B-26-0002, a proposal to open an off-premise liquor store near Glendale Farms.

Neighbors, including David Black, David Ramsey and Jim Miller, told the commission they oppose the location because it is close to residential streets, school bus routes and neighborhoods. David Black described daily school-bus activity within a few hundred feet of the proposed location and recounted a fatal crash involving a driver he said was under the influence to underline safety concerns.

Applicant Philip Leggett, who gave an address in Covington and said he operates a separate location called Chelsea Blues, told commissioners his proposal was for off-premise sales only; he said his existing store has not produced police citations, that staff check IDs and that hours would be limited. Leggett said he wants to run a responsible business and be part of the community.

Commissioners discussed legal footing for denying a license when off-premise sales are allowed in some commercial or light industrial zones. After deliberation, the commission voted 2–1 to deny the application. Staff noted that zoning and state licensing rules affect final outcomes and that court challenge remains an option for applicants denied at the county level.

The denial means the applicant will not receive county approval for the proposed location; commissioners did not approve any alternative mitigation at the meeting.