By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Gadsden voters on Tuesday, Aug. 26 didn’t just vote on city representatives. They also voted on whether or not to allow the sale of alcohol all seven days of the week, including Sunday.
The votes showed overwhelming support for selling on Sunday, with 68 percent voting for it. A total of 4,618 people approved it, while 2,136 voted against it. In all seven districts the votes in favor of the sales was consistently higher.
Sunday alcohol sales in bars and restaurants began in Anniston over a year ago. This prompted Gadsden residents and officials to start pondering legalizing Sunday sales as well.
Earlier this year, a bill was passed to make it possible for Gadsden citizens to decide whether or not they wanted Sunday alcohol sales, instead of legislators making the decision themselves.
While the voters have decided that they want Sunday alcohol sales, the legislation is not in effect yet. It is expected to be in effect by the end of September.
According to a Jacksonville State University study the new ordinance could potentially create 420 new jobs and 12.6 million in revenue.
“The people spoke,” said State Rep. Craig Ford. “Voters came out and it passed. This is the democratic process at work. It’s going to bring additional restaurants to the area, which will result in more jobs and economic development.”