Recent Sunday sales stories

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One of the most contentious issues of the session may be Sunday beer and wine sales. The issue pits convenience stores and grocers against some Christian Conservatives and liquor stores.

Convenience and grocery stores argue Georgia is one of only three states with a complete ban on beer and wine sales. They say Sunday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and polls show strong support for allowing Sunday beer and wine sales, especially in the Atlanta area. They also note that many restaurants and bars already are open on Sunday, selling beer and wine.

Social conservatives say Georgians have enough days to buy alcohol without doing so on Sunday. They say Sunday is the Sabbath and should be reserved for honoring God. Liquor stores aren't open now on Sunday, and industry officials don't think they would make enough on Sundays to make it worth their while. Also, supporters are pushing only for beer and wine sales, not liquor sales. Convenience and grocery stores can't sell liquor. Without allowing for liquor sales, liquor stores would be at a disadvantage on Sundays.

Backers face two major hurdles. One is getting a bill past a Republican-led General Assembly that is squeamish about offending the Religious Right, no matter what the polls say. The other is Gov. Sonny Perdue, a Republican who doesn't drink and has vetoed legislation loosening Georgia alcohol laws in the past.

-- James Salzer