WILMINGTON — Brunch lovers rejoice, Wilmington’s City Council has voted to approve the sale of alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The vote comes one day after the New Hanover Board of Commissioners voted to approve the same measure – and a week after the beach towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach approved it.
Unlike the other municipalities and the county, the City of Wilmington allowed the public to speak on the issue. Two members of the public, the owner of Hell’s Kitchen in Wilmington and Starrett Patteison, general manager of Blue Eyed Muse and other establishments in Wilmington, spoke in favor of allowing the earlier alcohol sales on Sundays. Both speakers agreed that the earlier time would allow more sales for local establishments, as well as maintain visitors in the city for longer periods of time.
The city council approved the bill unanimously.
Governor Roy Copper approved the so-called Brunch Bill last month, moving the previously allowed time for Sunday sales from noon to 10 a.m. The approval required local governments to vote individually to either approve or deny the ordinance.
The approval allows all ABC permit holders to serve alcohol started at 10 a.m. – this includes bars, restaurants and retail stores that sell beer and wine.
Send comments and tips to Michael Praats at [email protected].
