KRWG News – SANTA FE, N.M. (krwg) Restaurants and bars could sell alcoholic beverages earlier on Sundays under a bill that has passed the Senate.
If the legislation is enacted, liquor sales on Sunday could start at 10 a.m. rather than noon.
Supporters said the change will allow restaurants to serve drinks with a Sunday brunch and help bars that want to sell alcohol when televised sporting events start before noon in New Mexico.
Opponents said the legislation runs contrary to the state's effort to crack down on drunken driving.
The legislation will not change when liquor can be sold on Sunday for off-premise consumption, such as by package liquor stores or grocery stores.
The Senate approved the bill on a 24-15 vote on Monday and sent it to the House for consideration.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. krwg