The state Senate Republican caucus may hold an informal vote as early as Wednesday to get a snapshot of where the members stand on the question of Sunday alcohol sales.
The Republican senators met for an hour Wednesday morning to discuss Senate Bill 10, which would allow local voters to determine whether alcohol should be sold from vendors such as grocery and convenience stores on Sundays. Upon leaving the meeting, senators were as split as when they went in.
The bill got off to a quick start this session, the first one in eight years without the shadow of a promised veto by Gov. Sonny Perdue of a Sunday sales bill. New Gov. Nathan Deal has said he is in favor of referendums on the issue. But a delay in pushing the bill through for a Senate vote gave opponents time to marshal their forces. The bill has been quietly tucked away while leaders argue over whether and how to proceed.
Some, such as Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, and Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, emerged from the meeting in favor of the bill, saying that Sunday sales is something local voters should decide.
Others, such as Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, R- Sharpsburg, said he believes it is the responsibility of the General Assembly to decide for the state. Georgia should not be a state where every issue is decided by referendums, he said.
Seabaugh said he would not vote in support of the legislation.
Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, said he has not made up his mind whether it should be an issue decided by local votes or one the General Assembly should handle.
Majority Whip Cecil Staton, R-Macon, said that he will take a vote count when leaders such as Rogers and Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, ask him to. He said that could happen as early as Wednesday afternoon.
He emphasized that the vote is not binding, but a poll to see where the majority of Republican senators stand on the issue.
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