Gwinnett to mull a November ‘brunch bill’ referendum

Will Gwinnett County let voters decide if they want to allow restaurants to serve booze earlier on Sundays?

That’s a good question.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed the so-called "brunch bill" Tuesday, legislation that allows Georgia cities and counties to hold referendums on giving restaurants and wineries the ability to sell alcohol at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Current law prohibits them from selling prior to 12:30 p.m.

Asked this week about the possibility of Gwinnett County including a brunch bill referendum on November’s ballots, Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said she wasn’t sure.

“We have not talked about the brunch bill as a group,” Nash wrote in an email, “and I have not heard commissioners express opinions. However, I know that we will look at it and make a decision over the next several weeks.”

Gwinnett already looks to have a healthy-sized ballot for the fall. In addition to a governor's race, several state legislature seatscommission and school board seats, and what may be a hotly contested U.S. House race will be included.

A historical transit referendum may also be on the ballot.

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