Winchester business at center of county-wide debate

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) – A small business in Winchester is the center of a county-wide debate. The shop is called The Crystal Coven, and some argue that its name and products promote witchcraft.

The Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission says they’ve received backlash after promoting an event hosted by The Crystal Coven in their monthly newsletter.

“People who object to this believe that the tourism department should not be promoting any business that sells witchcraft materials,” said Clark County District 4 Magistrate Mark Miller.

Shannon Tipton, owner of the Crystal Coven, says she does not promote or sell witchcraft materials.

“I don’t claim a religion. I’m a metaphysical shop. I am registered as a business, not a church,” said Tipton.

Tipton says she’s being attacked by some members of the community. “Spewing the hatred and the misinformation about me and my business has impacted sales, and so if they can’t force me out by closing my door, they’ll force my sales because my patrons are now afraid to come in,” said Tipton.

The majority of public comments were made in support of Tipton.

“You don’t want to come, don’t come. It’s simple as that. I don’t want to go to church. You don’t see me up there protests in your churches, do you?” said an unidentified person in attendance.

“It’s almost laughable that we have to sit in this room and debate,” said another unidentified person in attendance.

Three people at the meeting spoke against the commission’s promotion of The Crystal Coven.

“I am here saying there should be lines on what we use our tax dollars to advertise and support,” said Steve Humble.

Some argued that a commission funded by the city and county should not promote Tipton’s store.

“It is spiritual in nature, and it is not a government-funded commission, such as tourism, to promote spirituality, such as Christianity,” said Clark County District 4 Magistrate Mark Miller.

“I don’t claim a religion. I’m a metaphysical shop. I am registered as a business. Not a church,” said Shannon Tipton, the owner of Crystal Coven, in response to claims that her business promotes religion.

Outside of the meeting, the sidewalk was filled with people there to support Tipton and her business.

“This is the modern-day equivalent of burning someone at the stake,” said Loona Wolf.

“The fact that she’s getting harassed over something like this, it’s just heartbreaking,” said Lauren Woodring.

The Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission says it’s not their job to judge whether or not an event is Christian.

The public portion of Tuesday’s meeting was mostly public comment. No definitive answer was reached as to what the commission can and can not promote.

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