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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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12

On the 7th Day, States Look to Down Blue Laws

Economy tanked, some seek shot of revenue in Sunday booze sales

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(Newser) – Recession blues could swallow blue laws, Time reports. State legislatures in Georgia, Connecticut, Texas, Alabama, and Minnesota hope lifting a ban on Sunday alcohol sales will boost revenues. But Christian activists oppose the move, saying cash-strapped families are already feeling pressure. “I don't think we need to add even more pressure to those families by passing this law,” said one.

Historians say politicians, including FDR, often ease alcohol bans to shore up revenue in tough economic climates, and this time will be no different. “It will happen,” one economic professor predicts. “It’s just a matter of when.”

A customer carries a six-pack of Corona beer, a Constellation Brand, through Chuck's Beverage store in Chagrin Falls, Ohio in this Oct. 5, 2006 file photo.
A customer carries a six-pack of Corona beer, a Constellation Brand, through Chuck's Beverage store in Chagrin Falls, Ohio in this Oct. 5, 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, file)
A handful of state legislatures have declared it's closing time for Sunday alcohol sales restrictions, saying an extra day of sales could give their foundering budgets a much-needed shot of revenue.
A handful of state legislatures have declared it's closing time for Sunday alcohol sales restrictions, saying an extra day of sales could give their foundering budgets a much-needed shot of revenue.   (Shutter Stock)
A handful of state legislatures have declared it's closing time for Sunday alcohol sales restrictions, saying an extra day of sales could give their foundering budgets a much-needed shot of revenue.
A handful of state legislatures have declared it's closing time for Sunday alcohol sales restrictions, saying an extra day of sales could give their foundering budgets a much-needed shot of revenue.   (Shutter Stock)
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Slowly and systematically we've seen these laws lifted in past century, even more so when there has been an economic downturn.
- David Laband,
economics professor, author

States realize that consumers will migrate to a place where they can buy what they want. So once the economy goes bad, then the cost of their policies are apparent to them. - David Laband,
economics professor, author

At least it's a drop. Maybe it's even a cup full. But right now, I'd like to have a couple of cups full than nothing at all. - Seth Harp, Georgia state senator

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12 comments
VIEWING:
 
Thinker
Feb 22, 09 3:26 PM CST
"Christian Activists" need to butt out and mind their own business. If adults want to buy liquor, they should be able to. Another way to help the economy would be to allow the sales of cars on Sunday, and to allow individuals to buy DIRECTLY from auto manufacturers. Reply
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SPH
Feb 22, 09 3:36 PM CST
Yikes!..How do the residents of these states get through football season?..... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Feb 22, 09 4:04 PM CST
They buy a crap load of liquor on Saturday.
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AmericaPrevails
Feb 22, 09 5:29 PM CST
Christian heritage, Christian rules. Less so now than before, because things have been watered down. But, I think it's good that "adults don't do that. Reply
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oaktree777
Feb 22, 09 5:29 PM CST
Oh, hey, I have a great idea - let the state regulate it like they do in oregon and washington and you can only buy it in state stores...causing you to drive more, etc etc. at least you can buy beer or wine on sunday...and at one of 3 the or 4 state stores that are allowed to sell on sundays now...too funny coming from arizona where you can buy anything at any convenience store AND drive-through liquor stores...now that's service! And the state still gets it's money - go figure! Reply
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