Legislation allowing voters to approve Sunday sales of beer, wine and liquor in stores easily passed a House committee Tuesday as it began what is expected to be a relatively smooth trip through the chamber on its way to Gov. Nathan Deal's desk.
After less than 10 minutes of testimony and discussion, the House Regulated Industries Committee overwhelmingly passed the bill. It is expected to be up for a vote by the full chamber next week.
The committee vote came less than a week after the Senate approved SB 10. The measure had been stalled in the chamber for five years.
Georgians in many communities can already buy alcoholic beverages at restaurants and bars on Sundays.
Sen. John Bulloch, R-Ochlocknee, sponsor of SB 10, told the committee it is a "local control and democracy" bill.
Rep. Billy Mitchell, D-Stone Mountain, a member of the committee, said he has trouble understanding "why it is OK for a consumer to be at home on Sunday, decide they want some alcohol ... go to certain athletic venues, bars and restaurants, consume all the alcohol they want ... and drive home, but it's not OK for a consumer ... to get in their car and drive to the package store across from the restaurant or bar."
No opponent of the bill spoke at Tuesday's committee hearing. But in a statement, Jerry Luquire, president of the Georgia Christian Coalition, said Sunday sales would lead to more fatal car crashes and that lawmakers were doing the bidding of deep-pocketed alcohol lobbyists.
"The House members who vote for Sunday sales can go home richer and more content," he said. "They have been rewarded by the alcohol industry for their vote."
Deal has already said he will sign the legislation if it wins final approval. If that happens, the issue could be on the ballot in some communities this fall.
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