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Published Thursday, October 02, 2008 in Local
Chamber supports Sunday alcohol by drink
By Jeff Bishop
The Times-Herald
The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of Newnan's referendum on Sunday alchohol sales in restaurants.
Chamber Chairman Phil Aaron said that over the past few months, the Chamber board has been involved in a "strategic dialogue" regarding the issue of seven-day alcohol sales.
"After much discussion, debate, research and member input, the board prepared a position statement," Aaron said.
The Chamber released its official position to its membership just prior to informing the media.
"This is a pivotal time in the history of our country and our community," said Aaron. "We encourage you to educate yourself on the issues and take the time to vote."
The statement says that the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce "supports the passage of the seven-day alcohol sales special referendum."
The Chamber bases its support on the Chamber's core mission -- "to promote an environment in which Chamber members and the community can realize economic prosperity." The referendum, if passed by voters, will allow by-the-drink alcohol sales at restaurants and hotels on Sundays for on-premises consumption only.
"There are broad economic benefits that come with offering by-the-drink options to local diners, as evidenced by countless other cities around Atlanta and throughout the country," the Chamber board said.
According to the Chamber, if seven-day sales are allowed:
* "Newnan will be a more attractive location for many well-known, fine-dining restaurants. Currently, several well-known restaurants have chosen other locations instead of Newnan based on the alcohol ban.
* "More of our existing restaurants will be open on Sundays. Many restaurants depend on moderate alcohol sales to help them ensure profitability on a day-to-day basis. Alcohol sales also provide for more consistent patronage on Sundays, allowing restaurant owners to better plan for attendant expenses and revenues.
* "Tourism will increase. Currently, weekend tourists who are looking for places to visit on Sundays must choose other places in our area if they wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with their meal. Alcohol sales mean that tourists will spend more time (and money) in Newnan.
* "Restaurant patrons will likely contribute more to Newnan's retail economy. For tourists or for locals, going out for a Sunday meal often includes visits to retailers as well. Shopping and dining go hand in hand, and overall consumer spending increases.
* "City tax revenues will increase. As sales at restaurants and retailers increase, so do city business tax revenues. That means more City services can be delivered without adding to the tax burden on individuals."
The referendum does not include package sales of any sort, the Chamber board points out.
"Rather, the referendum only allows for by-the-drink, seven-day alcohol sales at restaurants or hotels where by at least 55 percent of the receipts of the business comes from the sale of food," the Chamber board said.
The Chamber believes that this approach is "a measured way to support the positive economic impact of seven-day sales without encouraging negative impacts on our community."
The Chamber recognizes that not all of its members, as individual citizens, support seven-day alcohol sales.
"However, the Chamber supports the Special Referendum on seven-day alcohol sales solely for its potential to provide a positive economic benefit for its members and for our community as a whole," the Chamber board said.
Comment On This Story
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You can't legislate consumption habits. If a person wants a drink of alcohol on Sunday or any other day they will travel to an area where alcohol is served. Wasted gas, wasted time and excess traffic from Newnan to another venue.If a person feels a pizza is incomplete wuthout a beer, a steak is not the same without a glass of wine or a Mexican dinner is lacking without a margarita it is there choice. Moderation is essential, but; adult consumption of alcohol is not a sin,however; inefficient and ineffective legislation is an insult.
Posted by Captain Reality at 10:10 AM
To the Chamber Members thank you for allowing us to vote on this issue. One of my most cherished memories as a young adult was going to the local corner bar and watching the Phila.Eagles on a Sunday afternoon and then go home and have a nice dinner with the family. These are memories so far you can not obtain in the county. Plus it never made sense that you could not a drink with your dinner on Sunday at a local resturant , but drive to Peachtree City and it is ok, thereby giving them added tax sales.
Posted by Kevin Corrigan at 3:56 PM
Thank you "don't get it" for your comment about Money over Morals. Steve should really think about what he just wrote. He gave Christians a bad name. I am one of those "drunks" who will vote for alcohol on Sunday. I lost both of my parents to Alcoholism but do enjoy a glass of wine or beer every once in a while and it sure as heck does not make me a drunk. And where is your Christian compassion for people who have promblems with alcohol? I guess we will all go to hell for a glass of beer on Sunday but not for talking bad about people, racism, no compassion for poor people, animals etc etc. Yes, I heard it all from you "I am a Christian" people. Stop saying you are a Christian if you can only talk the talk but don't practice! Again you give the real Christians a bad name.
Posted by Andrea at 12:40 PM
Oh what a wonderful Christian attitude "will get exactly what they deserve" You are the kind of Christian that after church will go to a retail establishment and treat every person in there rudely. I guess you forgot what you heard in church? I will avoid working on Sunday so I don't have to put up with the 'after church' crowd and people like you with their holier than thou attitude. Do us all a favor and practice what you preach (uh kindness, patience, forgiveness, giving etc..ring a bell??)
Posted by don't get it at 9:46 AM
The scriptures says so, ah! Why does every bible thumper feel they have to push there beliefs on everyone. If the bible is so against drinking why would they turn warter to wine! The last supper shows everyone drinking wine. If people choose to drink or not on Sunday it should be there choice. I dont push my beliefs on you so dont push yours on me!
Posted by Robert at 9:15 AM
Mr. Orson, exactly what constitutes a drunk? And exactly how many drunks are in Newnan. What do you mean by "get what they deserve"? Are you wishing for something bad to happen? I suppose you plan on leaving the county if this passes?
Posted by Coweta citizen at 8:59 AM
Money over Morals, what statistics are you talking about that say Sunday sales are a bad idea? I am not a religious person but I know where you come from with that part. I see areas right now with Sunday Alcohol sales thriving, and more revenues growing. I see jobs being created and people being able to support themselves and their families. What statistic do you have that shows there is a large number of drunks in Newnan? What is a drunk anyway? Well I am hoping this passes, I would love to be able to go to Taco Mac, Locos, Jeckyl and Hydes, or Hooters and watch a football game with friends and drink beer if we wanted. Of course we also have our designated driver or take a cab home. We are adults so we are responsible for ourselves.
Posted by Scott at 8:43 AM
Why are you people so opposed to selling alcohol on Sunday? NOBODY is forcing you to buy it. What do you do every other day of the week? If you are that easily offended stay in church all day and pray for everyone or better yet, worry about yourself. Me? I am going to enjoy a frosty mug with my lunch and relax.
Posted by don't get it at 8:06 AM
This is a no brainer. If you are going to drink alchohol what does it matter what day it is? I do not drink and I am a Christian but I do not understand why people have a problem with this. It makes good economic sense!
Posted by citizen at 8:04 AM
Coweta should reap the benefits of alcohol sales instead of Fayette County. If people want to drink on Sunday why should they have to drive and support another county? Keep the revenue at home where it belongs! This is not mean that everyone wants to drink on Sunday but if they do, let's keep the money in Coweta!!!!
Posted by Resident of Coweta at 7:46 AM
This is an excellent idea for all of Coweta County. Making more money stay here at home is only going to help us. I can't tell you how many times as a server that I've had people come in on a Sunday to the restaurant where I work only to find that they can't get a glass of wine or maybe a beer and turn around and leave to go to Peachtree City. Why should we have to give our money to PTC?
Posted by Server at 7:40 AM
Now, if we can somehow uphold the 'village' concept with regards to current and future developement then we are moving in the right direction. Village concept means that wherever you live there is strategically placed commerce that helps you save money on gas, groceries, etc. And if we can respectfully do that for outlying suburbia areas, then we are jamming. Go Coweta!
Posted by Flash5 at 10:59 PM
Money obviously matters more than morals to these guys. Given the number of drunks in Newnan, this will probably pass. Don't worry - Newnan and the people who support this will get exactly what they deserve. The statistics (for you secularists) and the scriptures (for you Christians) both say that this is a bad idea.
Posted by Steve Orson at 10:56 PM
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Sunday alcohol
11/9/2008
Link To This Comment
For all you anti-drinking Christian readers out there. Personally my day of rest is most enjoyed with a glass of wine with my dinner or possibly a cold beer watching an afternoon game. I will not force you to join me at my local sports bar, as you will not force me to join you in church. Stop telling me what is right for me and I will not make judgement on you. We already lost existing resaturants in Newnan (Chilis) due to no alcohol sales on Sunday. Let's bring Newnan into the 21st century and allow grown adults to make their own decisions what they wish to do with their lives and business owners the chance to make money employing local people to earn an honest living.
Posted by Limey at 11:04 AM