[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 188 (Monday, December 5, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING SLAINTE PUBLIC HOUSE

 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, KY, 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 
10th 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, 6 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. Therefore, the Pub's 6 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 1850s. 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 7 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, therefore, 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.

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