Politics & Government
Roswell Places Sunday Alcohol Sales on Agenda
Council members will vote on the issue at the July 11 meeting and if approved, it could go before the voters this fall.
Amid pressure from many groups throughout the state, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill in April that paved the way for communities to approve Sunday alcohol sales at stores this year.
That opened the door and one community after another came charging through, agreeing to place the question before their voters in this year's elections.
On Tuesday, Roswell City Council moved closer to joining those communities by unanimously agreeing to place the issue on the city council agenda for July 11 with Councilman Jerry Orlans absent. If approved, voters will have a chance to decide the issue in November.
Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Georgia is one of only three states that do not allow stores to sell alcohol on Sunday.
Roswell Patch talked to several council members prior to yesterday's meeting and they were kind enough to share their thoughts on the referendum.
Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Councilwoman Nancy Diamond said, "I absolutely favor putting the Sunday alcohol sales item on the ballot for our citizens to decide. "
Councilman Rich Dippolito added, "I am glad that the state legislature saw the benefit of allowing this issue to be decided on a local level. I support placing the referendum on the ballot this fall. It is incumbent on us as a council to give our voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they support Sunday alcohol sales."
Both Councilwoman Betty Price and Community Relations Manager Julie Brechbill said there has been little feedback from the community thus far to indicate where they stand.
"I have received only a handful of communications on the subject, all in favor of proceeding to a referendum," Price said. "On the moral issue, everyone has to decide if and when to drink alcohol."
From an economic standpoint, Price said, "Some of our neighboring cities have already declared they will put the issue to the voters this fall. It could be economically detrimental to have different laws in adjoining cities regarding the availability of alcohol. In fairness to all citizens, we should find out what they want and how they would like us to construct our local ordinances."
