In the state of Georgia, state-owned facilities such as the Georgia World Congress Center, Lake Lanier Islands, golf courses and many other private clubs are allowed to sell alcohol at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, while restaurants are forced to wait until 12:30 p.m. House Bill 535, also known as the Brunch Bill, would allow for local municipalities to opt in to permit their restaurants to start serving alcohol at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. With the ability to sell alcohol earlier on Sundays, restaurants will have higher food and beverage sales, generating more tax revenue and more jobs. 4,000 restaurants in the state would greatly benefit from the passing of this bill, generating $100 million in additional revenue for the two hours. These changes will help drive jobs, tourism and economic growth in our state.
HB 535 was introduced during the 2015 legislative session and received strong support as it quickly passed through the House of Representatives. The GRA worked closely with state representatives, particularly Representative Brett Harrell, to support, spread the word and sponsor the bill. However, the bill was halted in the Senate Rules Committee and therefore wasn’t allowed to be voted on the floor. The bill has been recommitted in the Senate this session.
Businesses should have the freedom to decide when they will offer their products to consumers, and customers should have the right to choose if they would like to consume alcohol starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. To create awareness about the bill, the GRA would like the support of restaurant patrons and guests who believe in the freedom to choose.
The GRA is asking for restaurants and customers to voice their support in a number of ways. First, by signing a petition stating that you support allowing restaurants to sell alcohol starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. The petition can be found Brunch Bill Petition. You can also join the cause by contacting your local senator or representative, urging them to support the bill by visiting Georgia Restaurants Association. Finally, please post on social media using the hashtag #GABrunchBill to educate the public across the state.
