For Immediate Release                                               
December 13, 2002
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront (502) 564-2611 or Susan Klimchak (502) 564-7760  

Stephen G. Horner named State ABC Commissioner

Governor Paul Patton today appointed Stephen G. Horner as Commissioner of the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Commission.  Horner will replace Rick Johnstone who is leaving ABC after being named a Deputy Mayor for the new merged Louisville/Jefferson County government.  Horner's appointment is effective January 6, 2003.

Horner, 59 years old and an attorney, served as ABC's Division of Malt Beverage Administrator from 1996 to 2000.  From 2000 to the present, Horner has served as the Public Protection and Regulation Cabinet's general counsel. 

"Steve has an in-depth knowledge of the intricate laws governing Kentucky's alcohol industry," said Gov. Patton.  "His prior service at ABC combined with his legal and government experience makes him an outstanding choice to lead ABC."

The ABC is responsible for issuing alcoholic beverage licenses and enforcing Kentucky statutes and administrative regulations pertaining to the alcoholic beverage industry. In addition to its enforcement duties with respect to alcohol, the agency is responsible for enforcing Kentucky's teen access tobacco laws. The Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, comprised of the Commissioner of the Department, the Distilled Spirits and Wine Administrator, and the Malt Beverage Administrator, preside over hearings to determine when violations of the alcohol or tobacco laws have occurred. The Board has the ability to suspend alcohol licenses, revoke alcohol licenses or to impose civil fines against violators.

"Steve's been a great asset to the Cabinet as our general counsel and I know he's going to do an excellent job as ABC Commissioner," said Janie Miller, Public Protection and Regulation Secretary. 

"I have heard Gov. Patton say many times that, except for the religious ministry itself, there is no higher calling than public service," said Horner.  "I am honored and grateful to serve Gov. Patton and Kentucky citizens in this role as regulator of one of the Commonwealth's oldest signature industries."

Horner worked for the Louisville-Jefferson County Revenue Commission as their assistant secretary treasurer and staff counsel from 1983 to 1995.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from Campbellsville College, a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and a law degree from the University of Louisville.  He lives in Louisville and has one son, Aaron and a daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen, both of whom work for state government.

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