Malloy Proposes Extending Liquor Sale Hours in Connecticut

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced on Friday that he’s seeking to extend liquor sales in Connecticut to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Malloy made his announcement on the popular Chaz & AJ morning radio show. It was clear the radio hosts knew what was coming because they took a shot of tequila to toast the news, Malloy declined to join them, the Connecticut Mirror reports.

In 2012, Malloy successfully advocated for the sale of alcohol on Sundays until 5 p.m.

“It’s time to take it to the next level,” Malloy said, according to WFSB 3 TV.

The goal, the Governor says is to lower the price of alcohol in the state and raise additional tax revenue for the state. He also said extended hours would be beneficial on holidays and of course the Super Bowl.

Malloy will present the plan to lawmakers next week, it will be part of his budget proposal.

What Malloy is pitching is not any different than what nearby states offer for alcohol sales, the CT Mirror reports. Rhode Island allows the sale of alcohol until 10 p.m., Massachusetts 11 p.m., and New York liquor stores are allowed to sell beer 24-hours a day and wine and spirits up until midnight, the CT Mirror reports.

Another key element of Malloy’s plan is to allow liquor store owners to own up to six stores, the cap is currently three, WFSB 3 reports.

The cons in the Governor’s proposal is some view it as hurting the smaller mom-and-pop package stores, the Mirror reports. One lobbyist predicts half of the state’s 1,100 package stores would close if Malloy’s proposals are enacted, the CT Mirror reports.

Malloy concedes there will be opposition to his plan.

What do you think of Malloy’s proposal? Tell us in the comments section below.

Read the full WFSB 3 report here.

Read the full CT Mirror report here.