Bill clears way for bars to open Sunday — in time for 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.