Opinions Divided on Sunday Liquor Sales

Liquor stores open their doors for the first time on a Sunday.

After a hotly contested debate, Sunday liquor sales kicked off Sunday with equally mixed feelings, with lots of happy customers and some not-so-thrilled store management.

For Kevin Vanderpool, on his way to a softball game, this Sunday meant a case of beer for his team:

"More convenient definitely, another option another day to come out and get some alcohol,” said Vanderpool.

Supporters of the new law say Sunday sales means more money and more revenue for the state of Connecticut yet some small business owners and critics say the volume of purchases may not necessarily increase which means overhead that won’t pay off.

Crazy Bruce’s manager Mike Bradley says it is expensive to open his stores an extra day but he has no choice.

“I’m against them but we have to be open being the store we are. Competition will be open. So to be a convenience to our customers, to not lose any customers, we will be open," said Bradley. 

Store owners need that revenue to pay the bills. Unlike grocery stores that are already open Sundays, another day on the books is a big deal for Crazy Bruce’s

“The supermarkets have lobbied for it. It doesn’t cost them anything to open their doors. Their electricity is already on, the air conditioner is already on, so employees are already there,” said Crazy Bruce's manager.

 For some, the old saying: "the customer is always right," still holds and if that's the case,Sunday sales may very well get a toast.

"It's tougher on them because now they have to be open for 7 days if they want to be, but I think it's better for us," said customer Pete Hoffman.

Consumers will be able to buy alcohol in package stores and grocery stores Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on some holidays. Supermarkets, which currently sell beer, will also be able to sell on Sundays too.

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