Township to Consider Extending Sunday Liquor Store Hours Again

The South Brunswick Township Council is considering a request from local liquor store owners to extend their hours of operation on Sundays just over a year after approving a similar plan.

In early 2011, the council passed an ordinance that allowed liquor stores in South Brunswick to open at 10 a.m. on Sundays instead of noon, which was the earliest time a store could open prior to the adjustment. However, local liquor store owners said the earlier hours have done little to improve business and are requesting they be allowed to remain open until 7 p.m. instead of the current 5 p.m. closing time.

The township had the option of extending the Sunday liquor store hours later than 5 p.m. last year, but ultimately nixed the idea with the belief that allowing stores to open earlier was a compromise that would alleviate the concern over lost sales.

"I realize (township liquor stores) are facing competition from other towns," said Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray at Tuesday's council meeting. "I'm willing to keep an open mind to it."

Viking Buyrite Liquors on Route 1 filed the request after hearing complaints from customers. The owner spoke to the council Tuesday night and said his store was hardly seeing any business during the earlier hours. He added that township liquor stores are losing customers to stores in other towns that stay open later.

Currently, Saturday sales and deliveries of alcohol are prohibited between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sales are prohibited between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Monday through Friday.

Mayor Frank Gambatese noted that at some points along Route 27, customers can just go across the street to Franklin Township to buy alcohol when South Brunswick liquor stores close at 5 p.m.

"Other towns have longer hours and customers are complaining about why stores close at 5," Gambatese said. "Those people who are complaining then just go across the street to buy liquor."

The council members agreed to seek the guidance of South Brunswick Police as to their concerns about allowing later closing times for liquor stores, since they will be the ones dealing with any potential problems.

"The last shop open often attracts motorists looking for a particular product," said Councilman Charles Carley. "That's not a good thing. My main concern is that I'd hate for South Brunswick to become a last call town."

The request for extended Sunday hours will return before the council after South Brunswick Police offer their recommendation.

Should the township allow later Sunday hours for liquor stores? What are your concerns about allowing the sale of alcohol past 5 p.m. on Sundays? Tell us in the comments.