Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday signed into law Senate Bill 10, which allows local communities to vote to allow the sale of alcohol in stores on Sunday.
Several communities are already preparing to hold referenda this year, as Deal had already indicated he would sign the bill that had failed to pass the Legislature for the past several years under opposition from former Gov. Sonny Perdue.
The Woodstock City Council told the city manager Monday night to prepare to get a referendum on the November ballot. The Loganville City Council took all of a half-hour last week to become the first city in metro Atlanta to let its residents decide whether to allow Sunday sales of alcohol. Dunwoody, Snellville and Smyrna have also begun the process of having a vote this year.
The Georgia Food Industry Association, which represents grocery stores in the state, praised Deal's action.
"For grocers, this legislation has always been about providing good customer service," said association president Kathy Kuzava. "It was our customers who encouraged us to pass local-option legislation and it was ultimately our customers who are the winners."
The liquor industry, too, applauded the governor's move and said Georgia becomes the 37th state to approve Sunday liquor sales legislation.
“This is an important step for consumer convenience, market modernization and free enterprise,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter Cressy. “For years now, consumers and newspapers across the state have urged the repeal of this outdated ‘blue law.' We congratulate the state Legislature for its leadership in passing this bill, and Gov. Deal for signing it into law.”
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