During the 2007 legislative session, state Sen. Seth Harp (R – Midland) introduced Senate Bill 137, a bill that would allow each county or city in Georgia to decide by referendum whether to allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays. The legislation saw little action from the state Senate and eventually died in committee, but that hasn’t deterred Harp’s support of the issue.
He plans on reintroducing the bill when the legislature convenes in January.
Harp argues that while state tax revenues have declined, dollars from the alcohol excise tax has increased by 1.8 percent.
“I can think of millions of reasons why it would be attractive this year,” the Republican from Midland said, referring to the millions of dollars in additional tax revenues supporters estimate Sunday sales would yield in Georgia.[Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Economy could revitalize Sunday alcohol fight", December 18, 2008]
New revenue from the approval of Sunday alcohol sales could help stave off the deep budget cuts that are expected in the budget, but this issue has always been about local control.
Local control over the local issue of Sunday alcohol sales.
If Sen. Harp’s bill passes, each county or municipality in this state would have to answer the following question:
Shall the governing authority [...] be authorized to permit and regulate package sales by retailers of malt beverages and wine for any period of time on Sundays from 12:00 Noon until 12:00 Midnight?
After a vigorous campaign for and against the referendum, the people would ultimately decide what is best for them.
If a majority of the voters in Fulton County say yes, then Sunday alcohol sales would be legal in that county. If a majority of voters in Houston County say no, then Sunday alcohol sales would remain prohibited.
Not surprisingly, the Christian Coalition vows to fight Sunday alcohol sales as they have done for the past two years, and more than likely, legislative leaders will bow to their wishes.
Jason Pye says that Georgia politicians simply don’t have the balls to pass it [Source: Jason Pye.com, "Sunday sales is back". December 17, 2008].
And he’s right.
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Why not pass a law that allows sunday sales by default so that our state and counties can receive the tax revenue immediately? Then Sunday sales could be put to a referendum.
I’m a huge supporter of Sunday sales. Anything to keep those nanny-state liberals from further restricting our rights. hey, wait…
No Sunday sales works pretty good for Chick-fil-A. They have no need to limit their sales other than by conviction.
I hope it dies again. I’m for limiting access to alcohol-not expanding it-regardless of the tax benefits.
Add a $1.00 sunday tax to it.
Make it beer only and after 12pm.
Done and done.
The Chick-Fil-A argument is flawed logic at best and stupidity at worst.
Last I checked McDonald’s still sells chicken sandwiches on Sunday.
Nothing like a free country. Oh wait are you free if the government can limit when you can do business. I am tired of Jesus freaks and busy bodies limiting my freedom. One day it will come back and bite them in the @$$.
I will point out in my world I would hammer drunk driver more than the current laws so I am not oppose to strict laws just ones that kill freedom.
Another example of the conservative war on freedom.
If YOU don’t want to buy beer (or tequila) on Sunday, then don’t. But YOUR decision should not have any bearing on whether or not I can.
From the LP-GA 2008 platform, Section 1, Part 4:
The proposed legislation, which polls indicate has the support of a majority of Georgians, may add buzz to the 2010 Governor’s race. Cagle last year no doubt was taking 2010 into account when he appeared to discontinue his active opposition. Senator Shafer, perhaps more than anyone else was responsible for killing the 2007 legislation. His continuing opposition won’t help him with metro Atlantans necessary for him to run successfully in any 2010 statewide race.
hayek_lives
She was awesome in “Dusk til Dawn” IMHO. (at least when she was on the stage-don’t want to be a movie spoiler here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=albIAvi6zag
JBC, SWL, & Hank,
Merry Christmas! I still hope it dies.
No Sunday sales works pretty good for Chick-fil-A.
Yes, it’s true that Chick-Fil-A is a profitable business in spite of the fact that they are closed Sundays. But that decision was made by Chick-Fil-A management and does not affect the policies of McDonald’s.
The same would hold true if Sen. Harp’s bill is passed.
Each county or city would vote on whether to allow Sunday sales in their communities, and their decision would not affect the other.
Bucky,
That’s cool. I tend to hold dear a quote from The American President:
Emphasis mine.
The American President, one of my favorite political movies.
Andre,
Ever seen The Contender with Jeff Bridges and Joan Allen? Also makes some very good points. Not exactly as kid-friendly as The American President though. (The main conflict centers around a female’s drunken actions at a frat party 2 decades prior.)
Sunday Sales of alcohol should be a no-brainer for a party that is supposed to believe in free markets.
SGL,
Thanks for the compliment-there’s my acknowledgement. Hope you’re not a flag burner & hope the Harp’ s bill dies in committee.
Bucky,
Actually, I considered your ‘Merry Christmas’ an acknowledgement, but thank you and you’re welcome.
Flag burning is not my personal style – but neither do I support banning it. On that subject, however, note that the US Code notes that when a flag is battered beyond repair or respectful display, the preferred way to dispose of it is by….
burning.
Honestly, if the bill dies I would prefer it die either on the floor of the Legislature – so that we officially know exactly who to work to remove – or at the ballot box.
Bucky,
I think we agree more often than we do not. On this issue, however, we are miles apart.
First, I believe one of the best principals of government is local control. No decision should be made at any level higher than necessary for proper administration or effect.
This is why I believe local school boards should decide school policy and county commissions/city governments should decide zoning laws, while federal governments should dictate economic policy and provide for national defense.
Denial by the state the ability for local governments to decide their community standards makes no sense. I think you would agree that the people in the City of Atlanta have different attitudes on this subject than those in the city of Hahira. It wasn’t that long ago that the people in Peachtree City had very different views on this subject than the people in the City of Fayetteville, just a few miles away. Why should one choose for the other?
In addition, if you believe in limited government (::knows certain posters are rolling eyes at me bringing that up after yesterday’s post::), you should be prepared to tolerate things you don’t approve of as part of the price of that freedom. We do not strengthen either the Conservative*(whatever that means anymore) movement or Christian Church when we use the power of government to force others to behave according to our desires. Quite the opposite, in fact. It makes us look like hypocrites and dopes.
I’m used to looking like a dope. But hypocricy ticks me off.
Bucky Plyler
Are you OK being anti freedom ? One day will come when they are after what you find dear and near and you know you can still call me and I will fight with you to protect your freedom I will not say you deserve what you are getting because I know when they are after the Jesus freaks I could be next.
All Bucky said was that he hoped it would die in committee and he is for limiting access to alcohol.
Well, that’s his opinion and I don’t agree with it, but there is no need for the Jesus freak comments either.
As for the very bill quoted by Andre, it limits the sale hours, if passed. Bucky may be saying he wishes to limit access to alcohol more than that, I don’t know, but I don’t hear any of you calling Seth Harp a Jesus freak for limiting the hours from noon to midnight.
Give it a rest.
Hi Icarus. Although, we are miles apart-you have some good points-like local control.
Regardless of political persuasion or theology, every law works on somebody’s behavior. Tolerance is a lovely thing & more folks should have it! It doesn’t mean however that everybody has to agree on everything in order to be tolerable.
I am not forcing anybody to do anything- the current law already does that. It doesn’t keep anyone from drinking alcohol on Sunday-it just restricts the sale on Sunday.
BTW, maybe you & John should punt on the financial ideas and work for field position!
“I hope it dies again. I’m for limiting access to alcohol-not expanding it-regardless of the tax benefits.”
Bucky, which part of the Constitution backs up the right of government to regulate alcohol?
What if the State decides that churches letting folks out at around noon every Sunday is a traffic danger and decides that churches should not meet? I know this is a silly example, but it is based on similar logic to the argument against Sunday alcohol sales. For the record, I don’t drink, I’m actively involved in my church, and I’m personally very socially conservative. However, I don’t believe it is right to impose my personal standards on others for the sake of public morality. That was not the intent of the Founders. If we’re going to be a free people, then we need to promote freedom. This way, I’m free to go to church, say “Merry Christmas,” and promote my views (as long as they don’t harm another or infringe on his property), while others are free to do their thing. If this society could get ahold of this, there would be a lot less contention among us.
Hank,
Glad to see that you’ll have my back!
Bowersville,
LOL
bowersville
I will give it a rest when you stay the hell away from my freedom. I have no proplem with people who believe in GOD/Jesus. I have a proplem with people who attack my freedom in the name of God. Understand I do not want the government attacking attacking Christians either (WACO) I would go to battle to help those folks to protect thier freedoms also. We need limited government in all parts of our lives not just the tax part. If the Republicans keep going down this part they will continue tio lose groud to the democracts. this year was the first year I ever voted for a democrat (voted against Chambliss). I either vote Libertarian or GOP. I believe going forward it is going to get harder to vote GOP because they have lost thier wat on spending nad Free Markets.
Doug Craig
JSM,
I believe that they repealed that part !
Bucky,
Here’s the problem with the current laws on the books. . .
Currently, an individual can go to their local Hooters or Houlihans and purchase an alcoholic beverage on a Sunday. But that same individual can’t go to their corner Kroger or Publix and buy a six pack of Heineken on a Sunday.
That’s the hypocrisy that Icarus was talking about above.
It makes absolutely no sense for me to be able to drive to Hooters, have a few Long Islands and then drive back home intoxicated when I can just as easily go down to Kroger, buy a six pack of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, return home and get intoxicated within the privacy of my home.
Andre, I think the intent of the current law was to allow sales in restaurants on Sundays -for the revenue that it would produce. (same reason) There are percentages involved (food-alcohol sales ratio) that can be changed by any local gov’t. that issues the permit to the restaurant.
It’s restrictive & that’s what I like.
I’d hope that you wouldn’t get bombed at Red Lobster & then try to drive home.
I’d hope that you wouldn’t get bombed at Red Lobster & then try to drive home.
But you know that is what happens.
Bucky.
That’s exactly what Senate Bill 137 did.
The legislation A.) allowed each local city and county the opportunity to decide whether to permit the sale of alcohol on Sundays; and B.) restricted those sales, if approved, to between the hours of 12 Noon and 12 Midnight.
Now, if you’re strongly against Sunday alcohol sales in your community, then make your case to the voters and defeat the referendum.
That’s all this bill does. It gives the people the right to decide what’s best for them.
“Bucky, which part of the Constitution backs up the right of government to regulate alcohol?”
Maybe it falls under Article III, Section VI, Paragraph VII. But that’s a stretch.
A) I’m a
ChristianJesus Freak.B) I’m a conservative.
C) I’m a Republican.
Therefore,
D) I believe in limited government at the state and local level, so I support leaving this issue up to the localities to decide. I would strongly oppose allowing it in my locality, and if it passed, I would work to replace the elected officials that passed it. But that’s the way it’s supposed to work.
And yes, Icarus, I’m rolling my eyes at you. %-)
“Senator Shafer, perhaps more than anyone else was responsible for killing the 2007 legislation. His continuing opposition won’t help him with metro Atlantans necessary for him to run successfully in any 2010 statewide race.”
Really? That kinda surprises me. What was his reasoning?
“Currently, an individual can go to their local Hooters or Houlihans and purchase an alcoholic beverage on a Sunday. But that same individual can’t go to their corner Kroger or Publix and buy a six pack of Heineken on a Sunday.”
Is it just me, or did anyone else see that as an endorsement of having Kroger cashiers dressed in Hooters outfits?
Hi Taft. My response was above to JSM. The prohibition amendment was repealed.
Question The people here who are against sunday sales do you believe you are freedom lovers ? Or do you think you are anti freedom ( but with cause)?
I’m against Sunday sales in my locality, because of community standards.
I am a freedom lover.
No conflict — unless you define “freedom lover” as “person in favor of Sunday sales.”
Explain what makes buying alcohol on Sunday bad for “community standards.”
Taft Republican
Do you believe I should have the freedom to buy beer on sunday? if the answer is no then you are anti freedom?
One day this community standards thing will come back to bite you in my opinion.
It reminds me of my buddy who wanted school prayer in Newnan. He believ that only his chuch (Holiness) would get to do the prayers in his sons school. I said Bill your chuch in one of the smaller chuches in the area what makes you think it would only be a prayer from your chuch. I told him it would be (imo)by majority rule (ie democracy) and you would lose.
One day this community standard will be about taxes and you will lose and so will I.
Doug Craig
Overall I like the fact that I’m not likely to drink much on Sunday. But I’m not “raging against the machine” either way on this one. I might have a different opinion this Sunday.
The State Legislature should give control over alcohol sales to the local governments, just like they should do with gambling.
Its not the governments job to play moral nanny in our lives,
Do you believe I should have the freedom to buy beer on sunday? if the answer is no then you are anti freedom?
Are people who oppose the right of others to perform sex acts in public anti-freedom? Just because others may oppose sales of alcohol on Sunday does not make them anti-freedom. To me freedom is the right of a people to determine what is legal and what is not. Free peoples restrict personal behavior all the time. Just because one favors the restriction of a behavior does not mean they anre against freedom.
FTR, I don’t care one way or another what becomes of Sunday alcohol sales. Shoot, in college I was very opposed to the Texas law restricting alcohol sales between 1am and 7am. It was a pain, but I survived without any damage to my personal freedom.
Hank R said “I will give it a rest when YOU stay the hell away from my freedom.”
What YOU are you talking about there Hank? A Jesus freak?
I personally believe and have stated many times last year on PP that I favor Sunday Sales, In fact, alcohol is a legal substance and should be sold 24/7 in every community that approves it. Heck, I’m one of those that believe the government should get out of the alcohol production, alcohol sales, alcohol regulation business entirely.
So again, what YOU are you talking about? My point is simple, you don’t help by referring to every opponent of unregulated alcohol sales as a Jesus freak.
Why don’t you leave the Christian bashing to the left wing nuts?
“Are people who oppose the right of others to perform sex acts in public anti-freedom? Just because others may oppose sales of alcohol on Sunday does not make them anti-freedom.”
Seriously, TP… Someone buying a 12-pack in a convenient store is not repulsive to the general public like a public sex act would be to most. Plus, public indecency is not illegal on just one day of the week. Why do you feel the need to have your government restrict the behavior of someone else when it has no effect on you?
The truth of the matter is that the very people who consider themselves the ‘keepers of community standards’ and oppose Sunday sales are the ones who help keep the liquor stores open the other six days of the week. Not only is this viewpoint clearly anti-freedom, it’s hypocritical.
I’m fairly amused at the ruffled feathers over the term “community standards,” especially coming from the people who usually chirp the loudest about “limited government.”
“Limited government” doesn’t mean “anarchy.” If a majority of the people in a local community — and I’m not talking state-wide here, folks — have a moral objection to alcohol being sold on Sunday, then they have the right to have their local community government restrict Sunday sales. The good thing about this kind of “throwback” to the days before Leviathan consumed all power is that, if I live in a community that says “no Sunday sales,” I can drive (or even move) to a nearby community that says yes to Sunday sales, if Sunday sales is what I want.
This is where civil government SHOULD be — local power, with local accountability, and real community. Bring it home, boys.
“Limited government” doesn’t mean “anarchy.”
Now look who’s rolling his eyes.
Liberals have no problem with Sunday sales. This issue is another example of the failures of the conservative movement. When you try to impose your moral code on others – prayer in school, sunday sales, Terri Schivo, stem cell research, abstiance only, gay mariage, 10 commandments in public buildings, creationism – the consistency of your small government and maximum freedom argument evaporates.
It would be nice if some statewide Georgia conservative candidates grow a pair and indicate their support for Sunday sales. There is obviously a lot of support from the base on Peach Pundit. Or will conservative candidates continue to held hostage by the Christian right? And just to help you Georgia conservatives gain a little perspective about how your brand of conservatism smells versus the rest of the United States: only three states have complete bans on Sunday sales. The remaining 47 states provide choice. Who is the nanny state, now.
Let the people drink, and make decisions for themselves.
Get the government out of people’s personal lives.
I’m tired of having to stock up on my wine on Saturday night. We’re corporate slaves Monday-Friday, and there is nothing wrong with Law Abiding Georgian’s having the freedom to purchase alcohol on Sunday. This law is completely ridiculous, and makes Georgia look even more backwoods (on top of the Kathy Cox evolution thing, Saxby’s victory, the racist comments from Georgia Republican Congressmen,and our top three elected officials being non-college educated).
I will be once again registering as a lobbyist, and fighting against the bigoted religious right.
Taft – I’ve no direct information, only what’s available from the media. Sen Shafer opposes Sunday sales, the bill was assigned to the Committee he chairs early in the session, and was never returned to the Senate floor. My recollection is that wan’t even voted on in Committee.
Progressive:
Many of the evils of the conservatives you speak of can also be flipped and the ‘progressives’ are just as evil.
For example, while the conservatives are wrong to force their definition of marriage on the legal institution, so too are progressives wrong for trying to force their definition of a legal insitution on the religious rite of marriage.
Similarly, while the conservatives are wrong to attempt to force their religion via the 10 commandments on everyone, so too are progressives wrong in trying to create a government completely devoid of religion.
In other words, tolerance works both ways, my friend…
bowersville
I do not mean to offend people who believe in God I mean to offend people who want to into my business because of thier beliefs. If you have a strong belief in God (or anything else) I have no proplem with that. If you are not one of those people I am sorry if you thought that was pointed at you, but for those who use thier beliefs to hold back my freedom one day it will come back on you.
TPNoGa
“To me freedom is the right of a people to determine what is legal and what is not.”
Do you like Democracy? Let the people decide?
tell that to African American in the 1840’s Ditto that for local control
You are either free or not. I am saying we are not as free as most of you would like to think.
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