Cooper signs 'brunch bill' allowing Sunday morning alcohol sales in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday signed a bill into law that will allow cities and counties to move up sales times for beer, wine or mixed drinks.

County commissioners and city councils could pass ordinances allowing restaurants and retailers to sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays, instead of noon.

The Charlotte City Council will have to pass an ordinance allowing alcohol sales before noon on Sundays.

City officials said Thursday that they were waiting for the governor’s signature before deciding when to schedule a vote.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts said she supports brunch freedom.

The measure also targets distilleries by letting them sell five bottles a year to distillery tour visitors, up from one currently and bypassing further the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control stores.

At the new Charlotte restaurant, Factory Cafe, there's one drink customers always ask for during Sunday brunch.

"They like the mimosas," said owner Jackie Land. "Everyone wants a mimosa.”

Land said being able to pour one for customers at 10 a.m., instead of at noon, could bring more people through the door earlier on Sundays, when businesses can be slow.

[RELATED: Mimosa with Sunday brunch? Senate OKs so-called 'brunch bill']

"Customers just don't come in. They want a drink before 12, so it kind of affected our brunch schedule," said Land.

This isn't just for liquor-by-the-drink in restaurants, but also for beer and wine sales in stores.

“This is a sad time for North Carolina,” said the Rev. Mark Creech of the Christian Action League. "The measure that was approved last night will unquestionably do more to proliferate and expand the sale of alcoholic beverages at the expense of the public's health and safety."

Rev. Creech said the bill is disrespectful to churches, because the current law allows them to finish their services before drinks are served. He says church ministries are vital to help people whose lives are ruined by alcohol.

"While those folks are celebrating getting their mimosa at 10 a.m., there are going to be all sorts of harms that are related to this," said Creech.

Land respects her customers, whether they want an early drink or not, but she thinks they should have the option.

"We all have the freedom of choice. So why not?" she said.

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Associated Press