Georgians who have been fighting for the convenience of Sunday alcohol sales have reason to cheer today after the State Legislature passed a bill bringing down the state’s Prohibition-era Blue Law, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, which has strongly supported repealing the Sunday ban.
“This is a terrific victory for consumer convenience, market modernization and free enterprise,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter Cressy. “For years now, consumers and newspapers across the state have urged the repeal of this outdated Blue Law. Our congratulations to Senator Bulloch, Representative Williams and the entire State Legislature for their leadership and hard work passing this bill; we urge Governor Deal to sign the bill into law.”
Georgia is the 37th state to allow Sunday liquor sales, and the 15th state since 2002.
Senate Bill 10 passed the Senate on March 16th by a vote of 32-22. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 127-44. Once signed, the bill will allow individual committees to hold local option elections allowing Sunday sales if they choose. The bill will likely take affect July 1 and allow for special alcohol elections as early as November.
“States across the country are modernizing their alcohol laws to satisfy modern consumer buying habits and provide state legislatures with much-needed additional revenue,” Cressy said. Importantly, government data on states that have passed Sunday sales show no negative social impact.”
Connecticut and Indiana are the only two states that continue to prohibit beer, whine and distilled spirits sales on Sundays.
