ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives today passed Senate Bill 10 by a vote of 127 to 44. Carried in the House by State Representative Roger Williams (R-Dalton), this legislation grants local communities the discretion to decide on Sunday sales of alcohol through local referendum.
“This is a monumental step for the state of Georgia,” said Rep. Williams. “We are reducing government and giving local communities the ability to decide for themselves what is in their best interests. I recognize the sensitivity of this issue and understand the concerns that many Georgians have about Sunday sales. SB 10 will ensure that each voice is heard by allowing individual Georgians to express their opinions through local elections.”
SB 10 would allow city councils and county commissions to call for referendums on whether Sunday alcohol sales should be allowed at stores in their cities and counties. The state already permits the purchase of alcohol at bars and restaurants on Sunday in many locations, but does not allow for the purchase of alcohol at retail stores. Georgia is one of only three states with this type of ban on Sunday alcohol sales.
SB 10 will be sent to the governor, who has indicated that he will sign the bill. For more information on SB 10, please click here.
Representative Roger Williams represents the citizens of District 4, which includes portions of Whitfield County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and is currently Chairman of Regulated Industries Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, Industrial Relations, and Ways & Means committees.
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