Alpharetta Will Put Sunday Liquor, Beer and Wine Sales on Ballot

Alpharetta City Council will give city residents a chance to decide if they can buy beer, wine and liquor from retail stores on Sundays.

The draft ordinance amendment submitted on May 23 left out sales of liquor, but City Attorney Sam Thomas is rewriting it, said City Council member Cheryl Oakes.

"As you may know by now the Sunday sales of wine, beer and spirits originated at the state level," Oakes said. "I introduced it for the city since I believe it is long overdue and our citizens have the right to vote and make their voice heard. As you know you can go out and buy alcohol on Sunday after 12:30 p.m. at our restaurants anyway."

Sales would be limited to hours between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

"In terms of what it will mean to our businesses I haven't been privy to the research done by the sponsors of our state legislation, but I personally believe it will increase our business revenue and bring additional revenue into Alpharetta especially if the surrounding cities do not have the measure on the November ballot," Oakes said.

Councilman Jim Paine said putting the measure on the ballot is about giving residents the right to choose.