Where Is The Respect for Churches?
Don’t Sell Alcohol Before Noon on Sundays!
Senate President Pro Tempore, Phil Berger
House Speaker Tim Moore
Members of the North Carolina Senate
Members of the North Carolina House
16 W. Jones Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1096
Dear Senate President Pro-Tempore Berger, House Speaker Moore, and other august members of the North Carolina General Assembly:
It has come to my attention that a legislative initiative, often referred to as the “Brunch Bill,” would provide the option for cities and towns to roll back the time for restaurants to start selling alcoholic beverages from noon time to 10:00 am on Sunday.
Alcoholic beverages are not an ordinary commodity and pose public health and safety risks. I have concerns about alcohol policies that would exacerbate harms. I understand studies have shown that when Sunday alcohol sales are extended, it inevitably increases alcohol-related issues. This can be the case even when it’s only by two hours.
In addition to the brunch part of the bill, this legislation has provisions that could cause an uptick in underage drinking for other states, as well as undermine our own state’s current system of alcohol regulation and control.
The way this legislation works against the ministry efforts of churches that serve people struggling with alcohol use and abuse also saddens and disappoints me. Historically, North Carolina has delayed selling alcoholic beverages until after the noon hour on Sundays in deference and respect to churches. Where is this respect now? Churches continue serving the spiritual and emotional needs of more and more of these people, and this legislation implies a tacit disrespect for their indispensable service.
Can’t we at least wait until after most churches have dismissed their worship services on Sunday before encouraging people to once again hit the booze?
I understand the General Assembly’s support for the business community and its commitment to a vibrant economy. I support this within reason. However, man doesn’t live by bread alone. And we need lawmakers to cooperate with the religious community as much as possible in its efforts to strengthen those who have been broken down by life’s many skirmishes, one of which is when people have lost their fight against alcohol.
I believe the “Brunch Bill” only frustrates such an objective. This is why I am earnestly asking you to work to stop this legislation.
If the current law was the right thing to do yesterday, it’s the right thing to continue it today.
Thank you for your consideration. I’ll be praying for you and your decision.
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