Lyft, Distillers Make Safe Rides Available in Bardstown

Community recruiting drivers for the on-demand ride service

For immediate release – March 22, 2017

FRANKFORT , Ky. – On-demand safe rides are now available to Bardstown residents and visitors thanks to a collaboration between Lyft and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Lyft is a mobile app that matches users with nearby drivers so they can order a ride in minutes. The fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S., Lyft recently agreed to initiate service in Bardstown and expand its Louisville and Lexington service areas.

“Lyft is committed to safe rides in the presence of alcohol consumption and we appreciate the support of the KDA and its members,” said Tommy Hayes, Lyft’s Policy Partnerships Manager. “We look forward to expanding service throughout all Kentucky Bourbon Trail communities.”

Chris Kaltreider, Lyft’s Operations Specialist who is overseeing the expansion, explained that Bardstown ride requests will likely be serviced by drivers coming from Louisville until the Bardstown driver population grows. Lyft is actively recruiting local drivers in Bardstown.

“These are good jobs where drivers can earn up to $35 an hour,” Kaltreider said. “We encourage Bardstown residents to apply so users can leave the driving to us and enjoy their time in the Bourbon Capital of the World.”

Interested drivers can apply at https://www.lyft.com/drive-with-lyft.

To mark the new partnership with Lyft, the KDA created the promo code “KYDISTILLERS” which provides financial incentives for first-time users and new drivers who enter the code after downloading the app.

“Our signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry is proud to work with Lyft to ensure on-demand rides are available in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail communities,” KDA President Eric Gregory said.

“This is a perfect complement to our partners and sponsors that are doing a fantastic job in providing responsible tours to our distilleries. On-demand service helps bridge any gaps when guests are savoring their Kentucky Bourbon experience at local bars and restaurants.”

KBT™ distilleries will promote the code through various mediums, including social media.

Bardstown’s Tourist & Convention Commission is excited for the enhanced visitor experience and positive economic impact Lyft will bring to Bardstown, said Dawn Przystal, Executive Director of Visit Bardstown.

“Responsible visitation is important to tourism,” she said. “We appreciate the KDA’s efforts to provide our visitors with another safe transportation option while visiting the Bourbon Capital.”

Collaboration with Lyft is part of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s broader strategic focus on collective alcohol responsibility efforts that address issues like responsible consumption, safe rides, underage drinking, and respect for non-drinkers throughout the Commonwealth.

Learn more about the KDA’s responsibility efforts at http://kybourbon.com/responsibility/.

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For more information, contact KDA Director of Social Responsibility Ali Edelstein at 502-424-5841.

The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880 to promote, protect and elevate Kentucky’s  signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Heritage members include Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark),Brown-Forman Corp. (Old Forester and Woodford Reserve), Diageo North America, Four Roses Distillery, Heaven Hill Brands, Michter’s Distillery and Wild Turkey Distillery. Proof members include the Louisville Distilling Company and Willett Distillery.

Craft members include Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bluegrass Distillers, Boone County Distilling Company, Boundary Oak Distillery, Casey Jones Distillery, Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery, Corsair Artisan Distillery, Dueling Grounds Distillery, Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Jeptha Creed Distillery, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Kentucky Mist Moonshine, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Limestone Branch Distillery, MB Roland Distillery, New Riff Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, O.Z. Tyler Distillery, Second Sight Spirits, Wadelyn Ranch Distillery and Wilderness Trail Distillery. The Distilled Spirits Epicenter is the KDA’s official educational distillery.

Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. For more information about joining the KDA’s distilling family, contact KDA President Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351. Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT™ and BOURBON TRAIL™ are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please drink responsibly.