Responding to complaints of restaurant owners and patrons that current restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales infringe on the peak brunch hours – and taking advantage of state legislation enacted earlier this year – Johns Creek is joining its counterparts across the region by calling a referendum on earlier Sunday drink hours.
The City Council approved a resolution calling for a Nov. 6 referendum, asking voters if they approve of allowing Sunday restaurant alcohol sales starting at 11 a.m. as opposed to 12:30 p.m. currently. The so-called Brunch Bill, Senate Bill 17, makes the vote possible.
“If approved by the citizens, then the issue would return to the council for an amendment to the alcohol ordinance related to the time of Sunday sales,” staff said in a report to the council.
The measure applies to sales by the drink by establishments that have at least half their annual gross sales from food or room rentals for overnight lodging, staff said. The earliest time for Sunday sales of alcohol by grocery and liquor stores would remain 12:30 p.m.
