Darien Liquor Stores Won't Drink to Sunday Sales
Darien liquor store owners are not happy with proposed legislation to repeal Connecticuts ban on Sunday sales of alcohol. Proprietors like Laurence Sette of Darien Discount Wine and Spirits believe the move will hurt businesses in the long term.
"Most liquor stores in Connecticut are against it," Sette said. "It's been proven with Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York that it doesn't really increase revenue."
Sette's wife, Alicia said, "People will just buy on Sunday instead of on Saturday. It's not going to make any money. We're just going to have to spend more on utilities and hire more help."
Laurence Sette said the Connecticut Package Stores Association, a group that represents liquor store owners, has lobbyists who are fighting the bill. "Obviously there are a few members who are for it, but as a whole the group is against it. When this has been brought up before, we've shut it down."
Pam Love, owner of Glen Liquors, said she is a firm believer in having Sunday off. She said the only effect will be that people will stretch their Saturday buying into Sunday, but they will not actually buy more alcohol overall. "Unfortunately, I think it will pass. The state is desperate for money," she said.
Michael Interlandi of White Bridge Wine and Spirits said just because he will be able to open on Sunday doesn't mean he will. The market will dictate his decision, as it did when liquor stores were allowed to stay open until 9 p.m. He still closes his store at 8 p.m. "The premise the governor is looking at is faulty," he said. "It indicates that we will be taking millions in dollars from border towns, but the people you find going down on Sundays are not stocking up. They get caught by surprise. They're not buying large quantities."
Do you want the convenience of being able to buy alcohol on Sundays? Do you think it would affect the amount that you buy? Join the conversation in the comments below or on Facebook.
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