Gov. Dannel Malloy signed the bill to end Blue Laws prohibiting sales of alcohol on Sundays late Monday afternoon.
That means consumers will be able to buy alcohol in package stores and grocery stores this coming Sunday.
“Our current laws have cost Connecticut businesses millions of dollars as consumers have flocked over our borders in search of more convenient hours and lower prices," Malloy said in a statement soon after the Legislature approved the bill. "Like many other initiatives I’ve put forward since taking office, this bill has a simple focus: making Connecticut competitive once again."
Malloy signed the bill Monday because state statute requires the governor to sign a bill into law within five days of receiving it. A formal ceremony will be held later in the week, according to the governor's office.
Indiana is now the only state in the country to ban Sunday sales, according to Malloy's office.
The bill allows liquor sales from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and allows package stores to sell fresh fruits used to prepare drinks, as well as olives, cheese and crackers.
The legislation maintains minimum pricing rules, but allows package store owners to choose one item a month to sell at a 10 percent discount.
It also establishes a 15-member task force to study other liquor reform proposals, such as a medallion system for package store owners and allowing quantity discounts.
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“(I) continue to believe there’s more we can do to lower the cost to consumers in our state. I look forward to the study proposed by the legislature. It’s a good first step and one that I hope lays the foundation for future action," Malloy said once the bill passed. "This much is clear – the more we can lower prices for consumers, the more competitive our businesses will be."
