ATLANTA — Bars in Savannah would be allowed to sell alcohol when St. Patrick’s Day weekend includes a Sunday if a bill read the first time Wednesday becomes law and the Savannah City Council agrees.
Current law only allows establishments to serve beer, wine and mixed drinks on Sunday afternoons in Savannah if the majority of their money comes from the sale of food. So last year, when the Irish holiday fell on Sunday, local restaurants had a business advantage over bars.
“We’re leveling the playing field for the bars and the restaurants,” said Rep. Mickey Stephens, D-Savannah.
The city asked the Savannah legislative delegation for a local bill to give the council authority to vote for an exception on those years when there is a Sunday anywhere between March 16 and 18. And the delegation members all agreed, even if for different reasons.
“It sort of goes to Republican principles of local control,” said Rep. Ben Watson, R-Savannah.
House Bill 784 is considered “local legislation,” meaning it only affects one city.
“It’s a very unique tourism opportunity, and I think we’ve got all parties satisfied,” said Rep. Ron Stephens, a Savannah Republican who chairs the local legislative delegation as well as the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
As local legislation, passage is nearly automatic as long as a majority of the local House and Senate members agree. The final say will be up to the city council where a majority ‘yes’ vote is expected.