By Joe Johnson
New Year's Eve this year might fall on a Sunday, but local officials made plans in advance to ensure that the tradition of ringing in the New Year by raising a glass or two won't be stymied by Georgia's blue laws.
In December 2022 the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission adopted a resolution that allows for the extended sale of alcoholic beverages on New Year's Eve 2023 through early the following day.
The Official Code of Georgia generally prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. However, state law also provides that local governments may authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on one Sunday during each calendar year.
Under that authority, the Mayor and Commission has designated New Year's Eve to be the city's exempted Sunday each year. The enabling resolution similarly allows for alcohol sales on St. Patrick's Day 2024, which will also be on a Sunday.
In return for helping with the fruit drop here, I would gladly trade Sunday alcohol sales in Athens. A greater number of alcoholic beverages could be sold to Atlanta's Hip Hop "celebritors" according to this plan. Everyone Benefits. gorilla tag
But.........you cannot buy alcohol on ANY Sunday in Clarke Countys city of Winterville.
I would gladly trade Sunday alcohol sales in Athens in exchange for doing the peach drop here. That way Atlanta could increase sales of alcohol to the Hip Hop “celebrators” in their city. Win-Win.