To the dismay of Alabama Baptists, the Lord’s Day has yet again been deemed “just another day” with 689 “yes” votes for Sunday alcohol sales in Sylacauga.
The Sept. 22 vote saw 68 percent of voters for Sunday alcohol sales and 32 percent against. It was the first time the city had voted on Sunday sales. At press time the city council was set to certify the election Sept. 29 at noon. According to the ordinance, alcohol will not be sold before 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Joe Godfrey, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program, said he was saddened by the vote that will cause “continued expansion of alcohol” in the state.
Both Godfrey and Randy Hagan, director of missions for Coosa River Baptist Association, said they were unaware of the vote until the day before it took place.
Hagan said he is against the sale of alcohol at any time, but especially on Sundays.
According to Godfrey, he’s noticed more recently that not all Christians are against the sale of alcohol.
“Christians, for a variety of reasons, seem to be less inclined to oppose expanded alcohol sales in spite of the fact that it is an addictive and mind-altering drug that is destroying lives and families at an alarming rate,” Godfrey said.
Hagan agreed.
“Alcohol is America’s No. 1 drug problem,” Hagan said. “I wish we didn’t have it and didn’t sell it but we do and we have to learn how to live within those parameters.”
The Sylacauga vote follows the passage of Sunday alcohol sales in three St. Clair County cities and two Marshall County cities, despite opposition from local Alabama Baptist pastors and churches.
One of those Marshall County cities, Albertville, voted Sept. 21 to amend the standing ordinance and allow “free operation,” removing all restrictions on operating hours for businesses. Businesses can now sell alcohol any day of the week and any time of day, according to news reports.
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