"Lexington is displaying many of the symptoms of a city energized by transformation: the overwhelming election of new, progressive leadership in city government; the wherewithal to bid for, win and take on the challenges of hosting the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games; a resuscitation of its downtown heart; and now, a proposal to recognize the economic realities of Sunday alcohol sales.
Most major cities, including Louisville, have long since abolished prohibitions of Sunday sales, but in Lexington only restaurants with seating for 100 or more can sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays, and then only between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m.
We hope that will change, and soon. In deference to opponents of a proposed expansion of Sunday sales hours, we share concerns about the very real consequences of the abuse of alcohol. Establishments profiting from alcohol consumption accept a particular burden of responsibility for care in the oversight of sales.
But we believe our business community has the maturity — and the good sense — to avoid blowing the opportunity represented in extended hours. That is because another very important consideration is the economic well-being of a city experiencing change.
"We need to be competitive with other cities our size, especially with the 2010 Games coming up. We've got to get in the right year here, and it will be a hindrance for us if we can't," Ann McBrayer, president of Eagle Distributing and incoming board chair of Commerce Lexington, was quoted as saying in a late 2006 Business Lexington article. "It's just absolutely ridiculous to think that our clientele and our money are going out of our city. It's really silly, and it's put us at an economic disadvantage not to have it."
A new ordinance proposed by 5th District Council Member David Stephens would rectify the inequity by allowing smaller restaurants, bars, liquor stores and retail establishments such as grocery stores to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. on Sunday to 2:30 a.m. on Monday.
Package sales of liquor and wine would be allowed from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Beer, by the drink or packaged, could be sold from 11 a.m. Sunday to 2:30 a.m. Monday.
One more council reading of the proposed changes is required for final approval. That reading is expected on September 13. We hope it will lead to the resounding approval of expanded Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages.
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