A looming St. Patrick's Day decision for Nathan Deal
Gov. Nathan Deal has a momentous decision to make: Will he sign a bill allowing alcohol sales during the week of St. Patrick's Day?
The House voted 144-21 Wednesday to give final approval to Senate Bill 103, which would give cities and counties the option to allow bars to sell alcohol on one Sunday each year - but only from 12:30 p.m. to midnight. The law now prohibits most bars from serving alcohol on Sundays.
It was introduced by Democratic state Sen. Lester Jackson of Savannah, which hosts a giant annual St. Patrick's Day parade. He also joined the majority of fellow Democrats in voting against Deal's signature legislative proposal, a bid to give the state new powers to take over struggling schools.
The clock is ticking: The holiday starts this Saturday and lasts until Tuesday.
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
