NCRLA: Don’t wait, urge the state to update outdated ‘blue laws’

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 1, 2017) – With North Carolina legislators approaching the halfway mark toward passage of S.B. 155, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association announced today its number of “Brunch Bill” petition signers has also surpassed the midpoint of its ultimate goal—10,000 signatures.

The association, which unleashed its #FreeTheMimosa grassroots campaign in early May, is a strong advocate for alcohol sales before 12 p.m., on Sundays.

“For North Carolina cities and towns where business is driven heavily by tourism, or where local residents demand more choices, this bill offers a positive option that can help restaurants meet customer demands, grow business, create jobs, increase tax revenue and bring patrons into business districts earlier in the day,” said NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges.

According to NCRLA, the petition signers include everyone from average citizens who simply want more options as consumers, to CEOs of some of the state’s largest corporations who recognize the economic benefits the “Brunch Bill” brings. Minges said the common sense nature of the bill is what is driving the broad base of support.

“Allowing earlier Sunday alcohol sales is a win-win for all. The ‘Brunch Bill’ not only benefits the state’s restaurants and hotels, it increases the number of brunch venues for patrons, while respecting our state’s diverse population and its ever-evolving cultures and traditions,” said Minges.

If passed, S.B. 155 would give local governments across the state the option of allowing alcohol sales in restaurants as early as 10 a.m. on Sundays. However, local governments can opt to maintain the status quo and would not be mandated to permit the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays.

“While some municipalities may choose not to take advantage of the bill, many areas, especially those where tourism plays a major role in the economy, truly stand to benefit from these additional two hours,” said Minges.

“Many states have updated their Sunday alcohol laws, with Alabama being the latest to pass a bill to extend alcohol sales on Sundays. Based on other states’ successes, North Carolina’s restaurants could each earn an additional $25,000 in taxable revenue per year by the passage of the ‘Brunch Bill,’” said Minges.

Now that Alabama’s governor has signed its “Brunch Bill” in to law, North Carolina has become one of only three states to not offer any Sunday morning alcohol sales.

For more information on the S.B. 155 or to sign petition to #FreeTheMimosa, visit www.NCBrunchBill.com.