There does not seem to be a constitutional problem with letting local governments control Sunday sales of alcohol, Attorney General Sam Olens says.
The question came up last month as Republican senators debated whether to move ahead with Senate Bill 10, which would allow local voters to decide on Sunday sales in their communities, which would be overseen by local government.
After the Republican Senate caucus held a secret vote last month, it decided to not bring the bill to the floor for debate and a vote. Several Republicans said they had concerns about whether the Georgia Constitution, which says the General Assembly should control alcohol sales, could delegate that authority to a local government.
Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, and Rep. Roger Williams, R-Dalton, asked Olens for an opinion on the issue.
Olens wrote Wednesday that it is reasonable to believe a court would find that it was constitutional.
Sen. John Bulloch, R-Ochlocknee, the primary sponsor of SB 10, announced Olens' assessment from the well of the Senate on Wednesday.
Bulloch said he believes SB 10 still has a chance to be brought out for debate and a vote this session.
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