Bill clears way for bars to open on St. Patrick's Day

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.

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Aaron Gould Sheinin

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