Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 17, also known as the “Brunch Bill,” was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, and is effective immediately.

“I want to thank Governor Nathan Deal for signing this important legislation into law and all of those who worked to shepherd SB 17 through the legislative process,” said Sen. Unterman. “It is an honor to sponsor a piece of legislation that places more decision making authority in the hands of the people by allowing them to ultimately decide, by voting during the referendum, to allow alcohol sales after 11 a.m. The goal of this legislation is to increase profits for small and large businesses throughout the state.”

Under current law, the sale of alcoholic beverages after 12:30 p.m. on Sundays is permitted. SB 17 will permit local governments to authorize by public referendum the sale of alcoholic beverages at certain establishments after 11 a.m. on Sundays. If authorized, venues such as wineries, hotels and restaurants having gross revenue made up of at least 50 percent food sales would be allowed to do so.

This legislation now enables the election superintendent of counties and municipalities to issue a call for the purpose of answering the referendum question between 30 and 60 days after an ordinance is passed proposing to extend the hours.