By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Senate Bill 298, referred to as the Sunday Brunch Bill, was passed through the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed it March 29. But Tomblin’s signature merely put the decision to adopt this bill on the individual county voters, after approval by the county commission to be placed on a ballot, and the cities that have home rule.
On Wednesday, the Tucker County Commission voted to add the Sunday Brunch Bill on the November General Election Ballot, giving the residents of Tucker County the opportunity to vote on the issue. Tucker County Commissioners made it clear during that meeting that by voting to put the Sunday Brunch Bill on the ballot in no way indicated whether they were in favor or opposed to it.
Basically, Senate Bill 298 means registered voters will decide whether or not the legal hour for alcohol sales on Sundays in private clubs, restaurants and wineries will be moved from 1 p.m. back to 10 a.m.
Supporters of the legislation have said the measure would increase state revenue, improve the overall tourism experience for those visiting West Virginia and create more jobs. Andy Snyder with the Tucker County Chamber of Commerce said passing the Sunday Brunch Bill would not make or break Tucker County. He said lots of visitors to the area are from the Baltimore or Washington, D.C. area, and passing the Bill would serve as an enhancement for those tourists visiting Tucker County.
Snyder said there are 12 establishments in Tucker County that would be affected if the time on Sunday for alcohol sales changed from 1 p.m. to 11 a.m. He said he contacted six of the establishments and they are on board with the earlier time for Sunday alcohol sales.
Just about a week ago Clarksburg, Bluefield, Charleston, South Charleston, Lewisburg and Martinsburg sent requests to the West Virginia Municipal Home Rule Board seeking permission to adopt the Sunday Brunch Bill. Tucker, Kanawha and Jefferson counties have all approved for the issue to be placed on November’s General Election Ballot.
Nearly every state surrounding West Virginia allows alcohol sales beginning before 1 p.m. on Sunday
