By William Spain, MarketWatch
Last Update: 3:00 PM ET Apr 28, 2011
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={5731A0DE-71C7-11E0-B644-00212804637C}
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — A bill that legalizes alcohol sales on Sundays was signed into law by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal Thursday in a change that will give local communities the option, subject to citizen referendum, to allow retail stores to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits seven days a week.
The law, which takes effect July 1 and allows for elections in November, had been in the works for years but faced opposition from religious groups and a veto threat from former Gov. Sonny Purdue. Until now, the Georgia had been one of only three states, along with Connecticut and Indiana, that banned all Sunday alcohol sales at stores. Thirteen others still bar the sale of distilled spirits.
It was heavily lobbied for by the alcohol industry, including the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), which represents companies including Diageo
This is an important step for consumer convenience, market modernization and free enterprise,” said Peter Cressy, president of DISCUS. “For years now, consumers and newspapers across the state have urged the repeal of this outdated Blue Law.“
He added that several communities are already interested in putting Sunday alcohol sales on the ballot this year.
Last Update: 3:00 PM ET Apr 28, 2011
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={5731A0DE-71C7-11E0-B644-00212804637C}
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — A bill that legalizes alcohol sales on Sundays was signed into law by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal Thursday in a change that will give local communities the option, subject to citizen referendum, to allow retail stores to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits seven days a week.
The law, which takes effect July 1 and allows for elections in November, had been in the works for years but faced opposition from religious groups and a veto threat from former Gov. Sonny Purdue. Until now, the Georgia had been one of only three states, along with Connecticut and Indiana, that banned all Sunday alcohol sales at stores. Thirteen others still bar the sale of distilled spirits.
It was heavily lobbied for by the alcohol industry, including the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), which represents companies including Diageo
This is an important step for consumer convenience, market modernization and free enterprise,” said Peter Cressy, president of DISCUS. “For years now, consumers and newspapers across the state have urged the repeal of this outdated Blue Law.“
He added that several communities are already interested in putting Sunday alcohol sales on the ballot this year.
