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Committee backs local-referendum path for Sunday liquor sales after business and retailer testimony
Summary
The subcommittee voted to report Bill 40-01 favorably, as amended; supporters emphasized potential tourism and sales-tax revenue and urged county or municipal referenda, while opponents warned of competitive pressure on small, family-owned stores.
The House General Law Subcommittee voted to give Bill 40-01 a favorable report after hearing testimony from retailers and distributors who argued Sunday liquor sales would capture tourism-related sales and create local jobs, and after discussion of safeguards that send the decision to county or municipal referenda.
Rick Havocost, owner of Mickey Finn’s, said Sunday restrictions cost the state and retailers significant sales and tax revenue at tourist-heavy locations. "We are closed on Sunday. No revenue, no tax revenue for the state," Havocost said, describing high Sunday volumes at destinations such as Buc-ee’s and nearby beach communities.
Small liquors-store owners also testified in favor. Drew Podjoberick of Southern Spirits said his single-location store regularly turns away hundreds of customers on Sundays and estimated the change could add several full-time jobs. Balen Moore, representing Total Wine, told the committee the measure initiates a local democratic process (referendum) rather than imposing a statewide change.
Opponents and skeptical members raised concerns that larger retail chains could undercut mom-and-pop stores if Sunday sales become permitted, increasing overhead and competition for smaller operators. Committee members responded that the bill does not require any business to open on Sunday, exempts a $3,000 fee for single-store mom-and-pop owners who opt in, and requires a county or municipal petition and certification process prior to a referendum.
Chairman Britton read the petition and certification timetable included in the bill: petitions must be submitted to county or municipal election authorities at least 120 days before the referendum and certified within 60 days, and referenda must be held at the next general election. The committee’s roll-call, as recorded in the transcript, included multiple 'Aye' responses and the bill received a favorable report as amended.
The bill advances local control by allowing counties and municipalities to decide whether to permit licensed retail dealers to sell alcoholic liquors on Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. if a local referendum approves the change.
