Kentucky is waiving alcoholic beverage renewal fees for restaurants and bars to help provide some relief during the ongoing pandemic.

Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement on Thursday during his daily update.

"The goal is to provide economic relief to restaurants, bars, and other venues that have had to close or reduce their capacity or change their hours during COVID," said Gov. Beshear.

The waiver applies to 2020 fees for restaurants and bars. It does not include producers, distributors, or wholesalers.

If an owner has already paid this year's fee, a credit will be applied to their 2021 license.

"I want to thank them; everybody who is doing it right in those areas that even when it is hard, have stuck with is," continued Gov. Beshear. "There is no question these businesses have shouldered a lot of financial burdens to protect our families."

The announcement comes as Kentucky sees Red Zones expand to 80 of the 120 counties. Those communities are being asked to follow new Red Zone Guidelines which among other things encourages take-out instead of dine-in services.

On top of that, bar-owners have experienced two separate shut-downs since March. The second came in late-July following the increase in cases the Bluegrass saw after the 4th of July.