Sunday liquor sales debated at Capitol
Posted by ConnPolitics.tv Staff on December 18th, 2009
Hartford (WTNH) – The annual effort to open package stores on Sunday was revisited at the state Capitol. Some lawmakers say it could bring extra revenue to the state coffers, but package store owners say that’s a myth.
A legislative report has concluded that in these times, when the state is in need of every penny, a windfall in taxes could be made from Sunday sales.
“If we did actually have Sunday sales, we could expect anywhere from five million to 8 million in additional revenue,” said Sen. John Kissel (R-Enfield).
“The figures that are purportedly would be gained are totally fictitious,” said Carroll Hughes, Connecticut Package Stores Association.
The nearly 1,100 strong Connecticut Package Stores Association says there would be no gain for them – or the state. Jim Ransford and his partners operate package stores in Wallingford, Middletown, Newington, and New Britain.
“We’re going to be doing the same amount of sales in seven days that we do now in six,” Ransford said.
Staying open an additional day would cost the liquor stores more in wages – and everything else.
“It may increase business, but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t think they should stay open on Sunday,” said Raymond Walled of New Britain.
“We have six other days to shop during the week and I think we can have one day off,” said Kathy Olandt of New Britain.
“Massachusetts did it in stages, first they added the Sundays between Thanksgiving and New Years and I think that would be a great first step for Connecticut,” Sen. Kissel said.
Since every state legislator has at least a few package stores in their district who will call and protest, the lobbying effort against the idea always wins, and is expected to win again this time.
The Connecticut Package Stores Association also notes that since Massachusetts has now imposed their sales tax, which is slightly higher than Connecticut on liquor sales, there is now even less incentive for people to go over the border to shop.
5 comments
LOL
Desperate idiots...............
Drop the legal drinkin age to 15......... THATS next....lol
Exactly. I know of know other line of retail which receives so much protection from competition. Everything should be closed on Sunday then, using the liquor lobby's logic....
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