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Morristown debates lifting Sunday alcohol restriction after farmers-market tasting triggers review
Summary
Council discussed whether to change Morristown's Sunday 'blue law' that bars on-premises alcohol service before noon after a farmers-market tasting prompted legal counsel to say such early service violates local code; councilmembers were sharply divided over competitiveness for businesses versus preserving Sunday morning quiet.
Morristown council spent much of its July 9 meeting debating whether to change the town’s restriction that bars and restaurants may not serve alcohol on Sundays before noon, a discussion that was prompted by a report that a farmers market had allowed on-site alcohol tastings earlier in the morning.
Town Attorney Moncello (referred to as counsel during the meeting) said state farmers-market permits allow alcohol service where consistent with local law but that Morristown’s local code specifically prohibits on-site alcohol service on Sundays before noon; he said his legal opinion is that the farmers-market tastings before noon violate the town ordinance and that he would put the opinion in writing to the partnership and relevant administrative offices.
Council members exchanged competing arguments. Supporters of easing the restriction — including local licensees represented in public comment — said an earlier Sunday start time (comments suggested times such as 9 a.m.) would help local restaurants and hotels compete with neighboring towns and accommodate brunch events. Opponents warned of unintended consequences: downtown noise, strain on police resources, potential for alcohol-related incidents tied to early morning sporting events and large televised games, and the need to preserve Sunday morning quiet for nearby residents.
Several councilmembers noted a parity problem between on-premises service and sealed-bottle retail sales, and others said sidewalk/sidewalk-permit regulations provide a controlled way to allow outdoor service when properly permitted. One councilmember said consultations with three major local churches found no objection to earlier service; others said parking and quality-of-life impacts raised resident concerns.
No ordinance change was adopted that night. The discussion closed with multiple councilmembers urging caution and asking administration and counsel to provide written guidance and consider community impacts before any code change. Any formal proposal to amend the local Sunday service rule would require a future ordinance or amendment and a public hearing.
