County Tipples Booze Revenue On Sundays

County Executive Isiah Leggett plans to make an executive order tomorrow to allow County-owned liquor stores to sell alcohol on Sundays, the Examiner reports.

The County sent out a press release tonight confirming that beginning on Nov. 21, a test program will begin allowing the 24 County-owned liquor and wine stores to operate on Sundays.

The stores will be open from noon to 6 pm for a six-month trial period.

"During this time, [the Department of Liquor Control] will closely monitor costs, revenues, customer satisfaction and community response, and impacts on privately-owned and operated licensed businesses," the release says. "Montgomery County currently allows Sunday alcohol sales in privately-owned beer and wine stores and on premise at licensed restaurants."

The Department of Liquor Control is a non-tax supported enterprise fund.

"The pilot program is not designed to generate any specific estimated amount of additional revenue but is being introduced more as a customer-friendly, consumer convenience initiative," the release says. "Sundays are traditionally the second or third busiest retail shopping day, along with Fridays and Saturdays."

But the County is facing the defeat of the "ambulance fee" which voters rejected at the polls on Nov. 2. That means Leggett has to find $15 million to plug the budget gap left by the rejected fee.

Since the Department of Liquor Control falls solely under Leggett's control, he does not need the County Council's approval to beginning selling alcohol on Sundays.