A bill allowing local governments to open one Sunday a year received final passage on Wednesday — just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Senate Bill 103, which is on its way to Gov. Nathan Deal, was a major initiative of lawmakers from Savannah, where St. Patrick’s Day is a huge annual economic development boom. Thousands of people descend on the coastal city each year for the March celebration.

Current state law does allow bars — which are different from restaurants — to open on Sunday. SB 103 allows city and county governments to vote to change that for one single Sunday each year.

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which dates back to 1813, begins this Saturday and lasts through Tuesday.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Georgia politician to challenge the state's campaign finance laws. He says the laws give rival Lt. Gov. Burt Jones an illegal advantage as they campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. (Jason Getz/AJC).

Credit: TNS

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez