Early alcohol sales key aspect of Brunch Bill

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Those who want a mimosa with their Sunday brunch were out of luck if it wasn’t afternoon. Now, a referendum up for voting by Warner Robins’ citizens aims to change that.

The referendum, appearing on city ballots this Election Day, asks: “Shall the governing authority of the City of Warner Robins, Georgia be authorized to permit and regulate Sunday sales of distilled spirits or alcoholic beverages for beverage purposes by the drink from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.?”

Currently, alcohol sales on Sunday are limited to after 12:30 p.m., so a passing of this referendum would extend alcohol sales at restaurants by another hour-and-a-half.

In 2018, the Georgia Senate passed a bill allowing municipalities to choose if they would like to extend their hours, and after community requests, the city unanimously passed an ordinance April 17 this year placing the brunch bill on the ballot.

According to Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, this would affect roughly 60 businesses, if passed on Election Day. The referendum would only affect by-the-drink sales at restaurants, so businesses like liquor and grocery stores would not be affected.

According to the mayor, the city has not heard complaints about the bill so far and potential benefits include increased revenue for both restaurants and for the city.

“If the brunch bill passes, the city benefits because we get more tax revenue from those restaurants and the businesses benefit because they get more sales in their whole establishment because of it. So it’s kind of a kind of a win-win when it comes to how it increases revenue, financially benefits the city and restaurants,” Patrick said.

Mayor Patrick also encouraged citizens to make their voice heard on Election Day.

“Please make sure you go out and vote during this election and make sure [you] look at the all the things that are on the ballot, not just the candidates who are running for office. So make sure you look at it and read it and make the decision that [you] think is best for the City of Warner Robins,” Patrick said.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. To check your polling location, visit https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s

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