An alcohol measure on Tuesday’s ballot will keep the status quo.
It will not expand Sunday sales or allow beer or wine to be sold by convenience or grocery stores on Sunday. A proposed change in the alcohol law eliminates dual licenses for restaurants who already serve on Sunday.
A 2008 change in the interpretation of existing state law said that restaurants cannot operate as restaurants six days a week and private clubs on Sunday. Currently, those serving alcohol on Sunday are considered private clubs with membership requirements.
The amendment approved by the Dothan City Commission reads:
“Shall the sale of alcoholic beverages, by properly licensed retail licensees of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, be authorized for on-premises consumption on Sunday between the hours of 1 p.m. and midnight?”
Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Bob Hendrix, encourages residents to vote “yes.”
“It doesn’t change anything. It allows us to keep what we already have. It will be for on-premise only and if anything, it actually cleans up the law a little bit,” Hendrix said. “Restaurants will still be able to serve alcohol on Sunday after one o’clock.”
He said the law will help expand the restaurant industry.
“Those restaurants who came in under the assumption they would be able to sell, we are not pulling the rug out from under them. It also clears up the law for several restaurants who are sitting on the fence. Hopefully they will come after the city cleans all this up.”
Hendrix said being able to serve on Sunday helps service workers too. The price of alcohol drives up the total meal cost, resulting in higher tips.
The alcohol issue is the last item on the ballot, under the mayor, commission districts 1, 3 and 5, school board chairman and school board district 3 races.
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