Atlantans voting on allowing earlier liquor store sales on Sunday

ATLANTA — You have probably heard from all the candidates in this Midterm race, but do you know what else is at stake?

In Atlanta, a vote that could impact liquor sales. It would allow liquor stores to sell earlier on Sundays’ than ever before.

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A question on the ballot for city of Atlanta voters is getting the attention of many.

‘Should the city of Atlanta be authorized to regulate Sunday alcohol sales from 11 a.m. - midnight?’ That would be an hour and a half earlier, than the current time.

Right now, stores can start selling liquor at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

“I mean, you go to Publix and it’s like, you can’t get it until 12:30 p.m. You’re like, well you know, you’re trying to watch the football game and I want to pick up some beer and I can’t,” said Patrick Shaw.

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The bill also gives customers 30 more minutes on Sunday night to buy their favorite drink. The cut off is now at 11:30 p.m., and the new time would be midnight. The proposal is only for the city of Atlanta.

“I definitely think it’s a reasonable thing for everyone to consider, just because an hour and half seems small, but definitely for small and local businesses, it can have a huge impact,” one voter said.

“I think that’s amazing. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., about a 90-minute difference, you know. I think that’s a great time,” said Brandon Phillips.

It’s an overwhelming ‘yes’ for these voters. They said it’s a good thing for everyone, especially businesses in Atlanta, but not everyone is on board.

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“It’s not something I can support,” said Gil Gonzalez.

People who voted early have already weighed in. Now, it’s time for those who will vote in person to take their shot at the proposal.

In 2018, voters passed the brunch bill, which allows restaurants across the city to serve alcohol at 11 a.m. Sunday morning.

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