Blue Laws Officially End Sunday, May 20th
It's not quite as momentous as the end of Prohibition, but Connecticut now has its own Repeal Day, as Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a bill Monday to end our state's archaic Blue Laws. And on American Craft Beer week, too. Way to go, Guv'na. Connecticut liquor stores will now be allowed to operate from 10a.m. - 5p.m. on Sundays, and choose one item per month to offer at a 10% discount. This last item was the lone concession to proponents of blue law repeal who sought the end of the state's mandatory minimum pricing practices. Discounts had previously been outlawed.
Like most of the other measures signed into law by Gov. Malloy, this decision came down to the economic bottom line.
“Our current laws have cost Connecticut businesses millions of dollars as consumers have flocked over our borders in search of more convenient hours and lower prices," Malloy said in a statement soon after the Legislature approved the bill. "Like many other initiatives I’ve put forward since taking office, this bill has a simple focus: making Connecticut competitive once again.
endctbluelaws.org, a grassroots movement made up of the state's Beer Wholesaler Association and Food Association, along with national distilled spirits interests and other parties, estimates that ending the Sunday ban will lead to four to eight percent growth in sales in Connecticut, a $6.4 to $11.2 million dollar increase in money spent in-state.
No longer will an unexpectedly zealous Saturday night force us to brave the headlong fall of a Sunday morning without benefit of a mimosa's golden parachute. We have arrived at the end of those dark days when the tyranny of outdated laws decide the success or failure an afternoon NFL party. Verily I say to thee: we have been freed from the cruel japes of the other 48 states, and can instead join them in their mockery of Indiana, the 18th century's last holdout.
Many area wine and liquor shops welcome the repeal.
"We both think it's a welcome change. The law is antiquated so any opportunity to do more business is welcome," said Mimi McLaughlin of Saugatuck Grain & Grape. "On the other hand, from a selfish perspective, I'm sad to give up my one day. It's very difficult to be the small store owner and work 7 days."
This will no doubt be a crushing blow to that one Cumberland Farms three and a half feet over the border in Port Chester off exit 2, but, as Byron said "They never fail, who die in a great cause."
And I'll still go to the Port Chester beer distributor on the odd Sunday, anyway: their selection is fantastic.
Beer, Specialty Market, Wine Chat
Reader Comments (4)
This is such a complicated issue, but the "mom & pop" bottle shops wouldn't be in such a predicament if their businesses hadn't been protected by legislation for so long. It's too bad Malloy couldn't tackle the price fixing issue.
As a resident of a border town, this has been a non-issue for us since Massachusetts ended their own blue laws in 2004. In fact, I'll probably continue to shop in Mass. because our local (Longmeadow) liquor store is closer and cheaper.
I do think it's a good thing for Connecticut consumers. There have been plenty of times where impromptu Sunday dinner choices have inspired us to pick up the perfect bottle of wine, and that would have been a real pain if we didn't live a mile from the state line. Not to mention the addition of holiday sales, just in time for summer. But as Mimi mentioned, I can also see where it'd be tough for small independent store owners.
When I was quoted for his article I admitted to the interviewer that my response kind of sounded whiny and resentful, and I'm okay with that. I'm old. I'm tired of the quest for the "perfect hamburger." :) :) :)
So, while I admit I'm not particularly pleased to give another day to this business, I DO support the end of an antiquated law that served zero purpose. I think people in the state of Connecticut should be able to buy beer, wine and spirits every single day of the week. To me, this has little to do with an increase in state revenue. You should just be able to buy liquor/beer/wine when you want it. Period.
Will the small stores go out of business? Probably not. There is, after all, a choice whether to open on Sunday, and I think location will dictate that. One moves with the times. There are as many restaurants that close on Sunday as ones that are open. Like everything else that affects our lives, we adapt. So, if the smaller store, like mine, does an analysis of benefit/non benefit, and finds it doesn't substantiate being open, then we will make that choice. Just like a restaurant does its numbers.
In the meantime, please support your local store now that they/we will be open and "toiling on the Sabbath", as one of my favorite friends is fond of saying. We are in business because you make it possible for us to be so, and no matter how I "wine," I'm happy to provide. It IS about time.
Mimi
Mimi.
You just got yourself a new customer.