YES: This archaic measure needs to go the way of Prohibition.
By Ben Jenkins
In his first State of the State Address, Gov. Nathan Deal said that Georgians need to meet today’s budgetary challenges with a “chief focus on improving Georgia’s economic competitiveness.” To that end, he said, Georgians must “ensure that Georgia has all of the ingredients necessary to attract, support and grow business.”
Perhaps this year those ingredients will be rum, coke and a twist of lime.
Despite America’s overwhelming repeal of Prohibition more than 75 years ago, Georgia remains one of the last holdouts continuing to block the sale of alcohol at private retail stores on Sunday — a ban that costs the state millions annually in lost tax revenues.
Though Sunday sales have been rigorously debated for several years now, this year there is hope for the majority of Georgians who support repealing the old Blue Law. Gov. Deal has said more than once the archaic ban isn’t an issue for him and that he’d sign legislation if it comes to his desk. Many Georgians would raise a toast to that.
So, as policy makers debate various options to generate new revenue without raising taxes, it seems the time has come for legislators to seriously consider adopting Sunday sales in 2011 like the vast majority of other states have done already.
Consumer demographics clearly have changed since 1933. Sunday has become the second-busiest retail shopping day of the week. As consumers spend Sundays at malls, shopping for groceries and eating and drinking at restaurants, Georgia’s spirits merchants have no choice but to turn customers away at the door.
As a result, the state pours millions in much-needed tax revenue down the drain while forcing small business owners to unwittingly inconvenience potential Sunday customers.
According to a recent economic analysis of statewide Sunday sales for distilled spirits alone, Georgia stands to generate between $3.4 to $4.8 million in additional state tax revenues per year simply by repealing this outmoded ban.
Adding in beer and wine sales on Sunday and the state stands to generate even more. In a difficult economy where every penny counts, that’s a lot to leave on the table.
The most recent states that have allowed Sunday sales have seen expected increases in revenues — and without the world coming to an end. For example, states which began allowing Sunday sales between 2002 and 2008 showed an average 5 to 7 percent increase in tax revenues. Importantly, these states saw zero negative social impact such as increased drunk driving or underage drinking after adopting Sunday Sales.
Nationwide, states have seen the positive effect of Sunday sales on consumers, small business owners and the state treasury. Anti-competitive sales bans, regardless of the industry, do not make sense in today’s economy. That’s why state leaders across the country are striking them down for good.
Georgia should be no different. It’s time for legislators to repeal this Prohibition holdover that’s long-outlived its relevance.
Ben Jenkins is vice president for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States in Washington, D.C.
NO: Respect people of faith and keep one day of the week special.
By Jerry Luquire
The Georgia Christian Coalition is almost a lobby, except we do not receive or distribute funds as a political action committee. As with other organizations, our interest is legislation that promotes conservative, Christian, pro-family values and apply them to the standards of Georgia named in our great seal, flag and Georgia pledge — Wisdom, Justice and Moderation.
The overwhelming majority of folks are responsible in their worship, family relations, financial matters, drinking (if they do) and other activities. But as in all law, it is that small number who cause the problems the government that promises to protect and serve must bring under some control or confinement.
Again this year in the General Assembly is the question of retail alcohol sales on Sunday. Wisely, Georgia has remained one of three states where such sales are prohibited.
But some members of the General Assembly, who are fiscal friends of grocery and convenience stores, want city and county elected officials to have the option of placing the question on a local ballot. It is not a mandate.
No other issue has more political heat or is more divisive than alcohol. There are many more population groups openly opposing Sunday sales than supporting it.
Very few groups, other than chambers of commerce, will openly campaign for Sunday whiskey, beer and wine store openings.
Opponents include the churches, adult living centers, PTAs, sports associations, anti-alcohol-for-any-reason folks, and the most vigilant, the voters who know Sunday ought to remain a Christian Sabbath. And yes, I realize these are the same people who populate the malls on Sunday. But that is not our issue.
Courts are closed on Sunday, governments don’t work, bills due on Sunday are on time the next Monday, schools are out. Sunday is, indeed, a special day. Just try to get your driver’s license on Sunday. Or do banking, or mail a package.
My response to a question, “Why do you oppose Sunday sales?” is, “Why do you support it?” Do you want Sunday to become another Saturday with its increased abuse of alcohol by drivers and family members? Would those barely legal decide on impulse to have a few — or many — since they are not at work, or in class or in adult associations? Would buyer age be monitored?
Gov. Nathan Deal not only supports Sunday sales, but is a cheerleader for them.
If he wants to confirm his control over the General Assembly, Sunday sales is a good one to begin with; it has received three times the publicity this year of any other issue, including taxes. Talk shows, mostly negative, would have been silent if Senate Bill 10 and Georgia Christian Coalition did not exist.
Yet the Insider Advantage poll shows that outside Atlanta, support of Sunday sales has fallen to 50 percent.
The House committee that decides alcohol issues gave a strong endorsement for passage, as did the Senate. I cannot think of one reason to sell whiskey, beer and wine on Sunday.
Jerry Luquire is president of the Georgia Christian Coalition.
