A push to put Bloody Marys and mimosas on the Sunday brunch menu in West Virginia picked up the Senate's endorsement Tuesday.
State senators voted 34-0 Tuesday to pass the so-called “brunch bill,” which removes a longstanding prohibition on alcohol sales at West Virginia restaurants before 1 p.m. Sundays.
“This bill is about freedom,” said Sen. Chris Walters, R-Putnam. “It's about giving people the right to brunch in West Virginia.”
Under the legislation, restaurants, distilleries and wineries could start selling cocktails and wine as early as 10 a.m.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, cities in Kentucky and Virginia, and counties in Maryland have passed laws to allow early sales on Sundays. Georgia has a similar bill pending before its legislature.
“This puts us in line with all the surrounding states,” said Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha.
Lawmakers say the bill will boost tourism and give West Virginia's hospitality industry a shot in the arm.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, in Pocahontas County, estimates that the brunch bill could spur a $500,000 increase in annual sales. The Greenbrier resort, in White Sulphur Springs, also expects to benefit.
“This bill seems like a small thing, but it really is something to increase economic activity,” Walters said. “It will be great for our local restaurants. It will be great for our resorts.”
As written, the legislation also seems to allow retailers to sell liquor on Sundays, but Takubo said that isn't the bill's intent, and the House of Delegates will have a chance to revise the legislation to make that clear.
“It does not allow for sales taken off premises,” Takubo said.
The Senate has passed brunch bills in past years, but House members have killed the legislation. The bill is expected to face opposition in the House again this year.
For years and in several states, “blue laws” prohibited the sale of wine or liquor on Sundays. In West Virginia, “off-premise” liquor sales still is prohibited on Sundays. Grocery and convenience stores can sell wine and beer, but not until 1 p.m.
Reach Eric Eyre at ericeyre@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4869 or follow @ericeyre on Twitter.