The state Senate took up the issue of alcohol today.
Senate Bill 385 sponsored by Senator Don Balfour (R-Snellville) would let limousine companies sell alcohol to its riders, in counties where such sales are permitted.
The bill easily passed by a vote of 40 to 11.
"Basically, everyone's probably doing it anyhow. You ride in limosines, so that not you're drinking and driving."Then Senators then took up the issue of Sunday sales in public stadiums and arenas.
Republican Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) sponsored the stadium measure.
Her county is the future home of the Richmond Braves, a Triple-A farm team.
The proposal squeaked by with just one vote needed for a majority to pass.
"Baseball, beer and peanuts. They are as American as apple pie. That's why I ask for your vote This is a vote for our region, for our state, for economic development."Speaking from the well of the Senate, Unterman tried to allay the concerns of lawmakers, who fear the measure might lead to Sunday alcohol sales statewide.
"I ask for your vote. I ask for no amendments to be placed on it. This is not a vote for Sunday sales."But not all of the proposed alchohol measures have met with success. Senator Seth Harp (R-Midland) has authored a measure to abolish restrictions on Sunday retail alchol sales.
His bill is currently stuck in committee. Harp spoke in support of the stadium sales measure, and urged lawmakers to let the voters have the final say so.
"I am in favor of this legislation because this is about the expansion of economic liberty in Georgia. This is an issue that the people of Georgia want to be heard about and ask that we respond to. And, I hope that in the not too distant future, we will have the opportunity to address and finally once and for all put this issue to bed."Harp's bill face an uphill battle as opposition from one of the state's most powerful lobbies is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Jim Beck is spokesperson for Georgia's Christian Coalition. Beck says he won't oppose the limosuine or stadiums measures, but draws a line in the sand when it comes to Sunday retail alcohol sales.
"If Senator Harp and the proponents of this legislation thought they had the votes, they would have attempted to amend either of these bills as had been rumored. So, we actually think this is a defeat for the folks that are pushing this idea."It is unclear whether or not Harp's bill will make it out of committee any time soon.
