Officials with the City of Prestonsburg announced that alcohol will not be served at family-oriented events held at the Mountain Arts Center.

The announcement is in response to public confusion surrounding the city’s decision to apply for an alcohol license at the Mountain Arts Center. Officials said the decision to apply for an alcohol license was to increase opportunities to get more artists to perform at the venue and to cut down on expenses.

According to the announcement, not having an alcohol license made it more difficult to book more sought-after artists because some artists won’t sign a contract with the venue unless they have alcohol on site. The license will also cut down on expenses as the city will no longer need to hire an outside contractor to serve alcohol. Officials said alcohol will not be served at any family-friendly event.