Washington County Commissioners amended the County ordinance to allow Sunday sales of beer and wine in the unincorporated areas of the County during their Thursday, August 13 meeting.
After Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the change, County Administrator Dustin Peebles announced that businesses can begin their Sunday sales on Sunday, August 16.
The ordinance stipulates that the sale of beer and/or wine for consumption on the premises is authorized on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. in any licensed establishment which derives at least 50 percent of its total annual gross sales from prepared meals or food, and in any licensed establishment which derives at least 50 percent of its total annual gross income from the rental of rooms for overnight lodging. It also states that the sale of beer and/or wine in retail establishments, for off-premises consumption, is authorized on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. as long as the retail establishment is licensed and in compliance with the County’s Alcohol Ordinance.
As previously reported by WACO 100, Washington County Commissioners approved a resolution during their January 9 meeting, calling for an election to allow voters to decide on the sales of beer and wine on Sundays. During that meeting, County Administrator Dustin Peebles explained that Commissioners have received numerous requests from citizens and businesses to allow the sale of beer and/or wine on Sundays; he noted that surrounding counties allow it.
That referendum appeared on the June 9 ballot, and Washington County voters cast their ballots concerning Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. In total, 4,070 voted in favor of it, and 2,342 voted against it.
Following the election in June, County Attorney Michael Howard drafted an amendment to the County’s Code of Ordinances that would allow the sale of beer and/or wine on Sunday. The first reading of the amended ordinance took place at the July 9 meeting.
County Administrator Peebles explained that notice of the ordinance ran in the legal organ, and all procedural requirements have been met regarding the amendment to the ordinance.