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In what could be the needed push, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced he intends to introduce legislation in the upcoming session to permit sale of alcohol Sundays and to help reduce costs for consumers and ending minimum pricing rules.
Similar legislation has been killed by the powerful lobby protecting small package store owners who have been able to convince the General Assembly that their interests trump the interest of consumer. Package store owners claim that permitting Sunday sales as well as holiday sales would require them to work too many hours. Interestingly other retailers receive no such protection.
“These laws are outdated and they artificially increase the price of alcohol to Connecticut consumers,” Governor Malloy said in announcing his stand inEnfield, which borders Massachusetts where alcohol is cheaper and available seven days a week.
“By allowing Sunday sales, by removing distribution and sale restrictions and by amending permit regulations, we’re going to help Connecticut regain its competitive edge in this industry, and we’re going to give consumers a break.”
Governor Malloy explained that the goal of these statute updates is to keep Connecticut competitive, not only with our neighboring states, but also with the rest of the country. Connecticut and Indiana are the only states in the nation that ban the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
“As the years go by and other states modify their laws to reflect modern-day realities, our statutes have collected dust and it has resulted in consumers shopping in bordering states, causing Connecticut retailers to lose $570 million in sales each year to surrounding states by some industry estimates,” Governor Malloy said. “This proposal is pro-consumer, pro-‘mom and pop’ and pro-dollars being spent within Connecticut.”
Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman stated, “A major focus of our administration is to make Connecticut more competitive with other states on many different levels, and this is another way we can do that. We believe it is time to end the long Connecticut tradition of spending money across the border because of antiquated laws that arbitrarily prohibit liquor sales during certain hours and on certain days. That is a tradition that has not only meant inconvenience for our residents, but has meant lost revenue for many of our businesses. It is also time to allow businesses more flexibility to decide if they want to sell these products, and how late they want to keep their doors open to do so.”
Details on the proposals can be found in the attached document.
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Sure hope this passes this time. Tired of being stressed out on Saturdays. I’ve already stopped my business with the ma & pa stores because of their selfish stance. Just the liquor-marts for me now.