Legislation that would allow alcohol sales in bars on Sundays of a St. Patrick’s Day weekend overwhelmingly passed the state House on Monday and is headed to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk.
The bill passed the House 147-7.
SB 318, by Sen. Lester Jackson, D-Savannah, would let local governments decide whether they want to allow alcohol sales in establishments other than restaurants in those particular years. Current law only allows sales of alcohol for on-site consumption on Sundays in restaurants — that is, places that derive a majority of their income from food sales.
Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day was on a Sunday. The holiday this year is on Monday, March 17. Under the bill, “St. Patrick’s Day weekend” means March 16-March 18.
Savannah hosts one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals, giving the issue added importance for the coastal city.
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