WASHINGTON -- It is now legal for retailers to sell and deliver liquor on Sundays in the nation's capital. On Tuesday, District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray (D) signed the "Omnibus Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Emergency Amendment Act," a measure that permits the Sunday sales that had been previously prohibited under local alcohol laws.
On Wednesday, the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration began accepting applications from liquor stores to sell and deliver alcohol on Sundays, according to the agency.
The D.C. Council approved the revenue-generating measure in December. But according to DCist, don't expect every liquor store in town to take advantage of the new law:
The idea was proposed by a task force created by Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) to study reforming the city's antiquated liquor laws. During debates over the omnibus reform bill, opposition to the idea emerged from an interesting quarter: the liquor store owners themselves. During a hearing, a number of retailers said that they enjoyed their government-mandated day off, and worried that if they were allowed to open on Sundays they would have to in order to stay competitive. (Stores can opt not to open, and they will still be subject to voluntary agreements.)
The new law also allows for the sale of growlers in brew pubs, liquor stores and full-service grocery stores; increases the permissible alcohol content of wine and beer from 14 percent to 15 percent; allows for a new permit for wine pubs; and creates a new program to address local noise complaints, according to ABRA.
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