Sunday brunch: Council's decision on alcohol allows consumers a choice

We believe in free enterprise.

Business ought to be as free from regulation as is responsible, save for when it comes to the reasonable protection of consumers, workers and the environment.

Yet, we understand the philosophical and moral differences surrounding the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays. The so-called "Brunch Bill" leaves it up to the municipality to decide for itself whether or not to allow the practice. And what may be good for other parts of the state might not always be what is best for Wayne County.

Some of the city council members obviously saw it that way Monday night, hence the 4 to 3 vote resulting in the ordinance passing. The  move bumps the time that alcohol sales will be permitted in the city up to 10 a.m. from noon.

Many believe, mostly for religious reasons, that the sale of alcohol ought to continue to be prohibited prior to the lunch hour, and we can empathize.

But in this case, choice ought to be -- and it seems as though it was -- the determining factor, both for the businesses and the consumers.

Football season is upon us.

Backyard barbecue season is dwindling.

And sometimes people just like to shop on Sunday mornings and might pick up a few items to include a six- or a 12-pack without even having the inkling to drink them that morning.

Given these reasons, coupled with the boost to local businesses and the tax base in a city ever seeking to expand, we feel the right thing to do was pass the ordinance.

Teetotalers weren't going to drink anyway, and a drunkard isn't going to be deterred. A happy medium was struck for all those who fall between those two extremes.

So, to the council members who voted to pass the ordinance, and what the heck, to those who didn't as well, let's do brunch.

Cheers.

Published in Editorials on August 7, 2017 10:45 PM