Vote on Sunday Booze

One of the famous “Ten Commandments,” has been the basis that caused the United States of America to have laws against stores being open on Sunday
ever since the colonies were settled in the 1600’s by professing Christians. “You shall remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.”

Originally, the Sabbath was the seventh day – Saturday, and it still is for the Jewish community. But Christians believe that after Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, his followers began worshipping on that day, and so the day of worship was changed, to remember Jesus’ resurrection. The commandment has traditionally still applied as a day to worship and rest. Some call it “the Lord’s Day,” and others call it the “Sabbath.”

Little by little, things have changed, and most communities find nearly all of their restaurants, places of entertainment, and stores open, although most banks, offices and even car dealers are closed. The demographic has changed, and even many Christians who remember not going to stores on Sundays as a kid stop off on their way home from church now, or meet their friends at the Pizza Hut.

And so, here in Georgia we find that although stores have been open on Sundays for quite a few years, they have not been allowed to sell liquor, another concern for the Christian community. Now the Georgia Senate has approved a bill that would allow local communities to make up their own minds about whether to sell alcohol on Sundays or not. Next the bill will go to the House of Representatives, and many feel that there is even more support over there than there was in the Senate which voted for selling on Sunday 32-22.

Two hours of debate preceded the vote. Opponents believe that it will increase the amount that people drink alcohol. Supporters say that since people could readily purchase liquor at restaurants already on Sundays, what’s the big deal about having stores sell it too? Some even pointed out that it’s better for people to buy a six-pack and drink it at home than to possibly drink and drive.

For that matter, people have just made their purchases on Saturday instead, so that they would have it on hand on Sunday afternoon when they watch their football games.

It’s hard to say whether having it available for sale on Sunday will lead to more alcoholism or not. If the legislators decide to leave it up to the local communities, there’s no doubt there will follow a period of fiery local debates on the subject. Hopefully, the rhetoric will educate the public in the difficulties caused by alcoholism itself.