I’ve lived in the South for many a year now. In fact, longer than where I grew up in Montana. And one thing has always amazed me. The lack of being able to buy beer, wine and liquor on Sunday. I get the whole “on the 7th day he rested” thing, but it’s kind of outdated in one sense. Beer and wine are sold in the grocery stores in Montana, and the state regulates the liquor through state-run stores. But you can still buy on Sunday.
I lived in South Carolina years ago, and specifically in Myrtle Beach. They first voted on a state-wide basis, then a county-wide basis, and finally it went down to a city-by-city vote to allow Sunday sales. And I remember how North Myrtle Beach quickly got it on the ballot and passed it. Myrtle Beach on the other hand, dragged their feet, giving the religious opposition time to rally their troops, and as a result, the measure was defeated. So, I could hop in my car, after running out of beer at the beach, drive about 5-7 miles, and refuel in North Myrtle Beach, and return back to Myrtle Beach. Really, how stupid could it be. And how much tax revenue Myrtle Beach lost every Sunday when people went to NORTH Myrtle to buy things.
We have now before the residents of the City of Atlanta, the potential to see these sales on Sunday. Ordinance No. 11-0-1169 has been proposed by both of Midtown Atlanta’s Councilmen, District 2 Kwanza Hall and District 6 Alex Wan. If the City Council approves the plan, Sunday alcohol sales in Midtown Atlanta could be up for a vote on November 8. Amen….no pun intended.
Keep in mind, this is for retail sales, such as liquor stores and grocery stores. Alcohol can still be purchased on Sunday, but only in restaurants where 50% of the sales are generated from food revenue.
Let’s hope this moves forward for both the convenience of Midtown Atlanta residents, but also as an added revenue stream to an already strapped city budget.
