ATLANTA, GA – Georgians who have clamored for the convenience of Sunday alcohol sales have reason to cheer today after the State Legislature passed a bill last night striking 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, noting that Georgia is the 37th state to allow Sunday liquor sales – and the 15th since 2002. “For years now, consumers and newspapers across the state have urged the repeal of this outdated Blue Law.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.”
Senate Bill 10, authored by Sen. John Bulloch and supported by Rep. Roger Williams, passed the Senate on March 16th by a vote of 32-22. The bill passed the House last night by a vote of 127-44. Once signed, the bill will allow individual communities to hold local option elections allowing Sunday sales if they choose. The bill would take effect 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.”
Cressy further out that only two states, Connecticut and Indiana, continue to prohibit beer, wine and distilled spirits sales on Sundays.