ND1007112

Title: Georgia Voters To Tackle Sunday Alcohol Sales

Description: The Georgia Association of Convenience Stores has long lobbied to get the matter in front of voters.

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ATLANTA ? Georgia convenience stores are hoping to add another item to their Sunday sales: alcohol. In the spring, the Georgia Legislature approved SB10, which will allow communities to vote on whether to allow stores to sell liquor on Sundays.

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For many years, the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS) has asked the legislature to repeal the state?s Blue Laws, the Epoch Times reports. With Georgia surrounded by states that let stores sell alcohol on Sundays, removing the restriction is ?really a no-brainer,? said Jim Tudor, president of GACS.

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?I can?t think of any disadvantages,? said Tudor, ?especially if you call the legislation ?local option? instead of ?Sunday alcohol sales,? which would imply that sales would occur with passage. The bill is about allowing people to vote on the issue and no sales would occur unless approved by voters. Thus it is less of an alcohol issue and more of a local control issue.?

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Tudor drummed up support in the state house, which helped passage of the bill. ?Jim Tudor presented us with all the facts and information we needed. Jim?s a great person, I respect him, you don?t have to wonder if he?s padding information as a lobbyist for his own benefit,? said state Sen. Donzella James, who initially had reservations about the bill but then decided to vote for it.

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?I remembered for more than 25 years my husband and his brother owned and operated a liquor store. They were very responsible. They would not sell to those who were drinking already. As business owners they did not want to be liable either,? said James.

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In November, close to 100 localities in Georgia will vote on whether to rescind their Blue Laws. Currently, 14 states forbid sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Content Subject: Operations

Formatted Article Date: October 7, 2011

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