FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 2, 2022
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Slainte Public House of Georgetown, Kentucky, as Senate Small Business of the Week.
Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record:
Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Slainte Public House of Georgetown, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
The dream behind Slainte Public House was born thousands of miles away from its’ home in the Blue Grass State, dating back to 2015 when owners Matt and Ashley Nunn traveled to Ireland in celebration of their tenth wedding anniversary. Upon their arrival in the Old Country, the Nunns witnessed how pubs across Ireland offered a space where communities could gather. The couple was struck by how these businesses were so entrenched in their communities, serving a purpose far greater than the stated goals of a typical American bar. Thus, upon their return to their home state, the Nunns decided to try their hand at emulating the communal attraction of the Irish pubs they enjoyed and, in the spring of 2016, opened Slainte Public House.
Matt and Ashley’s goal for Slainte Public House, or “The Pub” as regulars like to call it, is for their community to be strengthened by friendships made onsite. The Nunns sought to create a space that offers its patrons something more profound than just food or drink, but a place where lively discussion is encouraged, hearty laughter is unavoidable, and a tear can be shed every now and then. Today, six years after opening, you can ask any Georgetown local and they will tell you that the Nunns have succeeded in their goal. However, the story of its’ Irish inspiration is not the only notable fact about Slainte Public House’s creation. In opening Slainte Public House, Matt and Ashley Nunn opened the first licensed bar to operate in Scott County since the days of Prohibition, when the purchase and consumption of alcohol was outlawed. Therefor the Pub’s six years in operation makes Slainte Public House the oldest operating licensed bar in Georgetown, KY, a title the Nunns are proud to bare.
Though the pub has been operating less than a decade, the building in which the pub is housed has a history of its own. Constructed in 1793, the building once served as the home of George Algair, who resided there in the 1850’s. As chairman of the Independent Ticket, Algair represented a group who opposed efforts to outlaw alcohol in Georgetown. Ann Bevin, a Scott County historian, uncovered a quote from Algair that reads “Give ’em license, for they drink with or without it.” Perhaps Mr. Algair had a talent for clairvoyance as his former residence now gladly serves as the local watering hole for the good citizens of Georgetown.
Following Scott County’s transformation from a “dry county” to a “wet county” in 2009, there were many Georgetown citizens who were apprehensive about the opening of Slainte Public House seven short years later in 2016. Though Matt had long dreamed of owning his own bar, his wife Ashley initially was not on board with the idea. However, when the two traveled across the Atlantic, Ashley finally understood what her husband had been dreaming about. A new convert to the idea, the Nunns took special care in making Slainte Public House a place that could foster the style of fellowship they witnessed in the Irish pubs. Walking into Slainte Public House today you will find overstuffed chairs, conversation nooks, and tables for board games and cards. Overall the pub has an atmosphere that is warmed by its regular patrons and the kindness of a tightknit community that has embraced Slainte Public House as a beloved fixture of Georgetown.
The Nunns understand that their role in the community extends beyond the walls of Slainte Public House, therefor the couple has opened their doors to many charitable organizations and causes. Today the pub sponsors the Finley 5K, Kaden’s Cause, Scott County Youth Baseball, the Gathering Place Mission, The Amen House, and Elizabeth’s Village. They also have a “Charity of the Month” program where donations to different charities are made through sample sales and customer donations. The Nunn’s also host fundraisers for various nonprofits and their pub serves as a meeting place for various local groups including Scott County firefighters and Bible study groups. In recognizing their contributions to the community Slainte Public House was awarded the 2017 New Business of the Year award by the Georgetown-Scott County Chamber of Commerce. Needless to say, the Nunns’ dream of giving back to their community what they witnessed in Ireland has come true, as Slainte Public House has become a beloved institution of Georgetown. Congratulations to Matt and Ashley Nunn along with the entire team at Slainte Public House. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Kentucky.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses.
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