Township to Extend Sunday Liquor Store Hours

The Township Council is moving ahead with an ordinance that would extend the hours of liquor sales on Sundays in the township.  The existing regulations prohibit the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages between the hours of 3 a.m. and noon on Sunday.  During a discussion at last night's council meeting, township officials discussed the issues this regulation creates for business owners.

"We have heard from some establishments who feel they are unfairly treated," said Mayor Frank Gambatese.  "In Franklin, some liquor stores open at 9 a.m. and our business owners feel they're losing customers."

The new ordinance would allow township liquor stores to open at 10 a.m. Currently, Saturday sales and deliveries of alcohol are prohibited between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.  From Monday through Friday, alcohol sales are prohibited between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

The township had the option of extending the Sunday hours liquor stores were allowed to be open to later than 5 p.m. but ultimately nixed the idea, with the belief that allowing them to open earlier is a compromise that will alleviate the concerns of lost sales.

"This gives them more business hours as opposed to later hours on Sunday night," said Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray.  "As long as they close at 5 p.m. I'm not against that.  This is a fair compromise that shows you can accomplish something when you work with business owners."

The ordinance will return for a first reading within one month.