ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Wine and liquor may soon be coming to a grocery store near you.

In Kentucky this week, U.S. District Judge John Heyburn II ruled a seven-decade ban on grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers selling wine and liquor is unconstitutional.

"Competition is always good for the consumer; we expect this to be, too," said Paul Daniels who owns Ashland Beverage Centre. It is a one-stop shop liquor store that's been in Ashland for more than a generation.

Daniels says his store specializes in variety and customer service.

"We have an educated staff and clientele," he said. "The impact the ruling would have on his store is too early to tell. It will depend on how many licenses are available in our particular district in the downtown as to the level of competition we'll acquire."

The judicial ruling from Louisville doesn't necessarily mean every gas station, grocery and convenience store will soon be selling wine and liquor.

A dry county is still considered a dry county in Kentucky, and there are many. The ruling only would impact areas in the Bluegrass State where sales of wine and distilled spirits are currently permitted by law.