A bill that would allow Connecticut package stores to sell alcohol on Sundays has passed its first legislative hurdle.
Members of the state legislature's Committee on General Law voted 14-3 in favor of the bill Tuesday.
The bill is a modified version of legislation proposed by Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. It allows for limited Sunday sales in liquor stores from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and would allow liquor to be sold on Memorial Day beginning this May.
While some of Malloy's provisions, such as the sale of beer at gas stations and convenience stores are not a part of this bill, it will streamline alcohol permits and creates a task force to study industry deregulation. Committee members said it would help small businesses be more competitive.
Office of Policy and Management spokesman Brian Durand said that Malloy will support the legislation and push for it to do more for consumers.
