Connecticut Sunday sales bill dead

Any hopes dealers and consumers in Connecticut had of legalized Sunday alcohol sales went belly up on Thursday.

A bill that would have allowed such activity died in the Program Review and Investigations Committee without being voted on. The committee did not meet today, which was the last day to act on any proposed bills for this legislative session.

State Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, who is co-chairman of the committee, said he did not force a vote on the Sunday sales bill because he did not have enough votes.

Ben Jenkins, a spokesman for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), said, "We applaud Senator Kissel's leadership for holding a public hearing on Sunday sales. Connecticut still faces a major budget shortfall, and we urge state leaders to continue considering Sunday sales as one means to raise some much-needed revenue."

DISCUS represents the national liquor manufacturers, who favor Sunday sales. Wine and spirits wholesalers and beer wholesalers have backed package store owners to prevent Sunday sales.

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