North Carolina “Brunch Bill” could mean earlier drinking hours on Sunday

WILMINGTON N.C. (WWAY) — Do you like a Bloody Mary on Sunday morning to go with your brunch? In North Carolina, one currently has to wait until noon to take a sip.

“People come in, actually, every Sunday, and we’ll typically anticipate 12 o’clock,” said Joe Kloiber, owner of Famous Toastery. “We’ll try and go ahead and put their order in so the minute 12 o’clock hits, the alcohol is sitting on the table.”

However, that might be about to change.

Lawmakers have proposed a”Brunch Bill” which would allow restaurants and hotels to serve alcohol as early as 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Kloiber says that if it goes through, he’s confident he’ll see an increase in sales.

“I would say that we will definitely pick up alcohol sales between that 10 and 12, especially in the season, the summer season between spring and fall,” he said.

For some, however, it’s a tough bill to swallow.

New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield does not think the change is necessary, and could lead to more DUIs.

“I think that we will see some type of increase, I think either immediately or down the road” he said.

According to the NC Restaurant and Lodging Association, 55 million people visit the state every year. That means big business for local diners and restaurants.

If the “Brunch Bill” gets passed, each individual county will then be able to accept or reject it.