Blue Laws Keep Package Stores Closed Most of Labor Day Weekend

HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-September 3, 2009 - Connecticut’s outdated ban on Sunday alcohol sales will prevent businesses from opening two days this Labor Day weekend – both Sunday and Monday, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

“It’s laughable that in 2009, a 1930’s law forces package store owners to close for two consecutive days during one of the busiest home entertaining weekends of the year,” said Jay Hibbard, Council Vice President. “Outdated laws hurt enterprising store owners, but also inconvenience consumers and deny the State Treasury millions in much-needed tax revenue.”

Connecticut is one of only three states in the entire country that continue banning Sunday sales of beer, wine and liquor. Since 2002, 14 states – including Connecticut neighbors Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island – have passed legislation allowing Sunday Sales.

“Shoppers will be out in force Sunday and Monday buying everything from clothing to furniture to cocktails at a restaurant – but package store owners can only watch as their customers shop elsewhere,” Hibbard said.

State Tax Revenue Lost to NY, MA, RI Cross Border Sales

“This makes absolutely no sense given our struggling economy,” said Chris Kull, owner of WineWise, a retail store in Greenwich, Connecticut near the New York border. “You can’t grow your business with the ‘Closed’ sign on the door. If legislators want to boost tax revenue and support small businesses in the state they need to start by repealing pointless Prohibition-era laws.”

According to an analysis by the Distilled Spirits Council year-round Sunday sales of alcohol in Connecticut would net up to $5 million for the state in additional sales tax revenue.

Distilled Spirits Council is the trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.
Website: http://www.distilledspirits.org

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