CHESAPEAKE
For Mayor Dalton Edge, Sunday is a time to spend at church and with family.
So he was not pleased to hear Thursday that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signed a bill that would allow Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control stores to be open on Sundays in Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and other cities with 100,000 people or more.
“I just hate to see Sundays turned into just another day,” Edge said. “If this came for a vote before me, I would be opposed to it.”
Since 2004, more than a dozen ABC stores in Virginia Beach and Norfolk have been allowed to open on Sundays. HB908, which passed the House of Delegates with the support of two Chesapeake legislators, could usher in more Hampton Roads openings in July, depending on decisions by the agency’s board of commissioners.
Del. Tom Gear, R-Hampton, who sponsored the bill, said the measure will increase sales and raise needed state revenue. Restaurants long have been permitted to sell liquor on Sundays, and he doesn’t see the difference in allowing ABC stores to stay open and sell it, too.
“Alcohol on Sunday is alcohol on Sunday,” said Gear, who is chairman of General Laws ABC/Gaming subcommittee. “Grocery stores sell it. Drugstores. You name it.”
In addition to Portsmouth and Chesapeake, the bill allows the potential for Sunday ABC sales in Hampton, Newport News and Richmond. Del. Lionell Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake, Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, and Del. Johnny Joannou, D-Portsmouth, supported the measure in a 62-37 House vote, state records show. Del. Ken Melvin, D-Portsmouth, opposed it.
Spruill said he voted for the bill because it would give ABC discretion to open the stores at 1 p.m. on Sundays, “which is after church anyway,” he said. Plus, Chesapeake residents already are driving to nearby Norfolk ABC stores Sunday to buy liquor.
Willie Green is one of those people. The Chesapeake resident, who was carrying a half-gallon bottle of gin from the ABC store off Sam’s Drive on Thursday, welcomed the news that the Chesapeake store near his home eventually could be open on Sundays. “I’d rather come here than go all the way to Norfolk,” Green said.
Sen. L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, supported the bill in a 22-17 Senate vote. Sen. Harry Blevins, R-Chesapeake, voted against it.
“Sunday is kind of a special day,” Blevins said Thursday. Having six days in the week to shop for liquor at ABC “seems like enough,” he said.
The bill moved quietly through the assembly, and some local officials say they hadn’t heard much about it before Kaine signed it.
Blevins said the bill was not “debated heavily” on the Senate floor before a vote. He said it was “not something that anyone really lobbied me on in one way or another.”
Anna D’Antonio, a Chesapeake assistant to the city manager, said Chesapeake didn’t take a position on the bill and that she didn’t bring it up to City Council. “I never got any indication that it was an issue with them,” said D’Antonio, who serves as a liaison between General Assembly matters and Chesapeake.
Edge said he thinks a bill like this would fail at the Chesapeake council level. “If it came to a vote, there is a good chance the council would oppose it,” the mayor said.
Kristy S. Marshall, a spokeswoman for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said the agency’s board of commissioners has to decide on which Chesapeake and Portsmouth stores it wants to open on Sundays.
Twenty ABC stores in Norfolk and Virginia Beach are now open on Sundays, including five that were allowed to open as recently as September, Marshall said. There are 95 stores across the state that open on Sundays, including locations in Fairfax County, she said.
Because ABC stores in Hampton and Newport News were not open on Sundays, Gear said the government was losing sales to package stores open on military bases. He also said that buying liquor at an ABC store could be safer than buying it at a restaurant and then driving home drunk. Blevins, a former principal at Great Bridge High, said there is no question the bill will bring in more revenue. But he doesn’t like the idea of bringing more cash in by way of residents drinking, gambling or playing the lottery.
“I feel like that’s the wrong approach,” Blevins said. “I don’t think it’s helpful for our society to be immersed in any of those three activities.”
Mike Saewitz, (757) 222-5207, mike.saewitz@pilotonline.com
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"For Mayor Dalton Edge.."
"Sunday is a time to spend at church and with family. "“If this came for a vote before me, I would be opposed to it”.
Well, Dalton old boy, no one is stopping you from doing that! You could take the family out for a sunday drive and stop at the ABC stores and watch the "illegal immigrants" buy alcohol! Then, instead of jumping up on your "Church" soapbox and proselytizing the "evils" of alcohol, you could very well be one of the first elected officals to stem the tide of illegal immigrants in this area! I am really not a drinker. Nor am I weak to use religion as a crutch. I use sunday to recover from a six day work week! The increase in revenue is good for the state, but if alcohol related injuries start up, we need to convene a special prosecutor and an outside consultant, and pay them, to see if the ABC stores in Chesapeake are, in fact, causing people to "go down satan's path". The tragedy of my last statement is that people with a "religious" bend will use tax payers money to fund such a charade!
The things people complain about...
I swear....its sad that people allegedly have children, jobs, lives, better things to do. etc, but still find large amounts of time to get on EVERY SINGLE news story on PilotOnline, just so they can complain.....its baffling how some people can complain so much.....i'd hate to be married to one of you guys....anyways, if you don't like alcohol, dont drink it and shut up.......if u wanna ruin your life by being a drunkard, go for it.....case closed.....
Party on Garth
Blue laws. HaHa. Should make private owners and get the state out of liq.
I want a drive thru and condoments ta go. Ok, condoms and gin. Can be fun on a sunday also any where in this country.
A Bunch of Hypocrites I have ever seen..
He says: "Restaurants long have been permitted to sell liquor on Sundays, and he doesn’t see the difference in allowing ABC stores to stay open and sell it, too."
So if selling liquor in the restaurants are the same as selling them in a liquor store, why is gambling on the lottery, horseracing, sports betting legal and any different than gambling online? Just didn't get your cut of taxes have you for the online gambling (poker, spades and such for money tournies). If you get rid of the stupidest law ever (The UIGEA) that was passed in Oct 2006, your coffers might just be overflowing with many gold coins...
The taxing of online gambling would bring in huge amounts of revenue..but it is unlawful because there hasn't been any taxes paid on it I figure..bunch of hypocrites, every one of them especially when you can gamble on horses, the lottery and fantasy sports for money ONLINE!!! Legally!!!
Just another work day
“I just hate to see Sundays turned into just another day,” Edge said. “If this came for a vote before me, I would be opposed to it.”
Hate to say it, but for most of us Sunday is just another day and has been ever since it started requiring two incomes to raise a family.
Gear said, "The measure....
will increase sales and raise needed state revenue".
If you really want to increase state revenue increase the taxes on all alcoholic drinks regardless of where they are purchased.
cboath has it right...
If you are truly so concerned that the ABC stores are open on Sunday, then how say you to the Wal-Marts, Targets, and the hundreds of other stores being open.
Bring back the Blue Laws, and for those that were not around here during that time...everything was closed...EVERYHING. You could not even buy a gallon of gas on Sunday...even 7-11's were closed...
How many of you that oppose the ABCs being open, patronize another establishment on a Sunday?
Good grief.
Actually, Dalton is right
Sunday isn't just another day. It is a day for the NFL and Nascar. In all seriousness, what is the deal Mr. Mayor? You are supposed to represent the people, not your family. Thanks for helping VA Beach out on the laughingstock scale...
ABC
It's hure is geat to be abel to buy licker up in here on Sonday. I jus wish theyd open DMV on sunday two. even bettor , opena DMV in the ABC store.
Edge Behind the times
Mayor Edge, your a joke. You can't even help the people nor do you and your council so called team in Chesapeake. Your whining about liquor sales on Sunday. I got news for you Mayor, this has been going on for a long time and I am surprised your surprised that this would pass. Think about it Mayor, Target, Walmart and a slew of stores are open on Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. What makes you the authority to say you would disapprove it ABC stores opening on Sunday. What about the employees in the Department stores? Your just a Mayor so you have no authority. I go to Church on Saturday so I can drink Saturday night and sleep in on Sunday. What is your point. If you would concentrate taking care of the people, and your city that we elected you, then I would stand by you, but your input means nothing. This is the 21st century, times change and people change, I guess you still in the stone-aged days of prohibition. Who really cares about the ABC stores opening on Sunday. You disapprove of ABC stores opening, then lets see what you can do about closing all stores, gas stations, WAWA's down on Sunday,and lets give the employees the day off if you want to call it a day of rest.Your
keep the sabbath holy?
If the reasoning to close the liquor stores is the day of worship, shouldn't the same politicians be fighting to close them on Saturday as well? Several religions observe Saturday as their Sabbath.
Ethan Don't Ever Leave The Pilot Comment Forum
I know I may have poked some fun at you, like in the gun discussions, but I like reading the points of view of those that are not as old as me, & those that are older as well. You have given me some good laughs, & some things to think about, relevant or otherwise. I hope you keep posting. Anyway, I considered using your "sideways gat shooting" theory, but lacking a "gat", would have had to try it with a shotgun. I decided that the shot pattern probably wouldn't vary much, I could end up with a broken collar bone, & the expended shell may possibly put my eye out. Please use a "don't try this at home" approach, before posting suggestions of such perilous activities. This is not intended as a reprimand, but is simply in the best interest of all concerned.
Bring Back Blue Laws
For those who want to stop ABC stores from being open on Sunday I suggest they petition their legislator to bring back Blue Laws in general. No buisness may be open on Sunday. No gas station, no grocery store, no mall and no restaurant. As a matter of fact the only businesses allowed to operate will be hospitals and clinics.
Perhaps families having to sit down together on Sunday since no place will be open will help with some of the dysfunction plagueing our society.
clewis..
clewis, yes people still go to church. I wonder if it's just for the social aspect more so than the feel good fairy tales? Religion is really dangerous and causes a lot of death in the world. On the other hand, it might be worth it to start a "church" and get friends to contribute money to the "church" tax free to form a club house. Drop all the religion and soak up on some end of year deductions while funding a crazy concert hall and lab space with top of the line equipment. Then there is the Sunday morning singles club aspect. Go to get chicks that hopefully won't cheat. I saw a good ted talk that religion should be a part of all US public schools, that is, a class that covers all the early religions so all the people can see that modern religions like Christianity are just a cut and paste rewrite. Everything in it is copied from previous smaller religions that faded in popularity. But I guess it keeps some people in check so maybe it's good to keep around.
joec65306
Do you and MATTGEPP know each other?
My goodness, you'd think it was armageddon.
jmo
RE: YUM
I'm with Susan. And next to the bar they can open up blackjack tables. And don't forget the state-employed hookers!
it's about freedom of choice...
Go to church, take a day trip, do whatever. But if I want to go and get a bottle of Vodka for my Sunday afternoon BBQ by golly I want the establishmnet to be open like everything else. Otherwise (and I believe this should be anyway) turn beverage stores over to the private sector and let them run it and take it off the state budget all together inlcuding all the money it takes to administrate the program. Government should not be in the retail business anyway. We're no longer in the dark ages anymore. All the witches and warlocks had been eradicated thanks to Salem and all the other brilliant puritans of the past.
ABC
Why is this an issue?? So what that ABC stores will be open on Sundays! Believe it or not, some people prefer not to go to church on Sundays and couldn't care less if you do!
Please, this is not news. This is a store changing it's hours of operation.
If you don't like the ABC stores being open on Sundays, DON'T GO! Get over it and move on.
I swear, I am never amazed at the amount of people that love to whine and cry about anything. Again, get over it.
7-11
pumpkicker, the reason 7-11's are called 7-11 is because the company was founded on.....July 11th. now what this has to do with today's discussion, i'm not quite sure. maybe you were thinking of Store 24(a Boston area convenience store chain)? i think referencing their store name would have been more appropriate here.
as for the subject at hand....welcome to the 21st century, VA. i am so tired of hearing elected officials talk about church and the bible and all that. whatever happened to the separation of church and state anyway???
I don't understand what the
I don't understand what the big deal is, we should be able to do anything we want, whenever we want. We have too many restraints anyway. You religious nuts need to chill. I say do away with stop lights and stop signs also. They infringe upon my rights. I believe drunk drivers should be given even more opportunities to drive our roads intoxicated. While we're at it, I say do away with morality. All religious people need to have re-indoctination in tolerance issues. What is done in the privacy of ones home should be allowed anywhere. I don't believe in giving children any moral compass. They will find their way somehow. It is not up to us adults to set an example. Maybe, we should convert the churches to ABC stores as a matter of convenience. I guess some people can only make it to the ABC store on Sunday anyhow. Gee, I feel better now. Thank God for Timothy Kaine making this wise decision. It can only get better when Obama gets in and replaces all the Supreme Court Judges with extreme liberals. Oh, yeah. I also believe in Global Warming and the tooth fairy because Al Gore said it was so. There's no place like home... There's no place like home... Wait up Toto!!
Hugh?
People still go to church?
yum
Hopefully they'll start selling smokes too. And then open a little bar, so we can all smoke and drink. Lots of tax revenues...
Atrocities Are Being Committed On The English Language
Lol. Orion, I share your disdain for this latest abuse of the written word. For the benefit of all concerned, Dollar General collects change to help the reading, & possibly by extension, writing problem in the area. I donate my change often, as I deem it a worthy cause. They also offer a pamphlet about the program. I've seen the pamphlet, but have never read it, but, I'm assuming & hoping it's an easy read. contractorva
Huh? What?
robm31288 wrote:
"In God we trust" off the money, take "one Nation under God" out of the pledge to the Republic, etc... Cancel that meddlesome government imposed Easter holiday.
1) "Francis Bellamy (1855 - 1931), a Baptist minister, wrote the original Pledge in August 1892. He was a Christian Socialist." Not so god-like as you would assume
2) Government imposed Easter holiday? When was this imposed?
Those guys in SADOM-N-GAMORE newGotta go some how, might as well have fun!!
Not sure of this sentence as your grammar is terrible, however, what is wrong with FUN?
My suggestion to you is get your nose out of the Bible and into a grammar textbook!
If ignorance is bliss...
TeriDavisNewman wrote:
Apparently the bars and restaurants were getting money that the governor thinks that state should have instead, so in order to make sure they get every sin tax penny out there, they have to open on Sundays.
Teri,
1) There are no bars in Virginia, only resturants. Any place selling spirits has to have a minimum percentage of food sales.
2) Where do you think the "bars and restaurants" get thier liquor? THAT'S RIGHT, Virginia ABC. So whether eateries or ABC sells it, it's all the same!
Won't be open early enough
It won't be open early enough for all the hypocrites to fill their flasks before service.
No big deal
Really this is not a big deal. If you go to church every Sunday-good, this wont stop you from doing that. It also will not cause people to stop going to church, to go to an ABC store. Every other store is opened on Sunday, Malls, Supermarkets.... So why does an ABC store being opened on Sunday, and not the others bother people. If someone wants to buy a bottle, so be it. They will any other day if they really want/need it. Plus, they can buy beer on Sunday, so really what is the difference. People need to stop wondering what others are doing, and take care of yourself/family.
mattgepp
Yep, it's the end of civilization as we know it. I don't know why our legislators aren't as enlightened as you. God help us all.
jmo
I agree
...with what most have said. You can buy beer & wine on Sunday so whats the big deal. I drink a couple beers while watching football or the race on Sunday anyway. So nothing has changed. Drink up!!!
It's touching and heart warming...
There are actually people out there who believe that imbibers of high-octane spirits stock up on Saturday, for their Sunday binges.
No, those citizens go to the nearest bootlegger on Sundays. That's why the state is coming down off its, "morality" pedestal - the bootleggers are cutting too deeply into the states profits...