Gov. Dannel Malloy plans to sign the bill to end Blue Laws prohibiting sales of alcohol on Sundays early next week.
“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."
Once Malloy signs the bill into law, Indiana will be the only state in the country to ban Sunday sales, according to Malloy's office.
“This bill is probably one of the most radical and extensive reforms of our liquor statutes since the Prohibition,” Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, said.
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.
“(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."
