Midtowners Voice Support for Sunday Alcohol Sales Vote

Some Midtown residents and business owners said they support the passage of legislation that could lead to Sunday beer and wine sales at supermarkets, gas stations and liquor stores.

On Tuesday, the Georgia House approved legislation allowing city or countywide referendums on Sunday sales of alcohol, including liquor. The bill now goes to Gov. Nathan Deal, who has said he would sign it into law.

Richard Knowles, who has owned L&M Service Market on Argonne Avenue for 27 years, said he fully supports the legislation. 

"If we are going to be a big city let's get with it," Knowles said. He said if people vote to allow Sunday alcohol sales, he expects his business to increase five percent. 

"I think it's a great deal," Knowles said. 

Some Midtown residents also supported the legislation.

"I think it's a good idea," resident Tim Innes said on Wednesday. "I think that people should have the opportunity to, you know, express how they feel about it."

Innes said he would vote for Sunday alcohol sales. "I think it would be a good thing."

Midtown resident Cynthia Bartlett also said she supports a vote on the issue.

"I'm in favor of voting for it," Bartlett said. "However, I don't feel we should call a special election just to vote on that one issue."

The city of Atlanta is not set to hold an election in 2011, so the referendum could appear on the ballot during the next election in 2012. However, city officials could decide to call a special election to vote on Sunday sales or other issues in 2011. 

Jay Tribbey, chief of staff for Dist. 2 Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall, said "nobody's really talking about it" at this time. Tribbey said that because of the high cost of a special election, he thought community leaders would prefer to wait until 2012. 

Tribbey said the city of Atlanta currently has more pressing issues to deal with, such as the review of the city's pension plans.

"You've got to prioritize a little bit," he said.