While the General Assembly is poised to finally give Connecticut consumers the choice and convenience of Sunday alcohol sales, the legislature has stripped out provisions of a comprehensive alcohol reform bill that would end “minimum bottle” pricing rules.

Minimum pricing is nothing more than state sanctioned price fixing which inflates retail costs, prohibits competition among retailers and forces consumers to pay more for wine and spirits compared to neighboring states.  No other state has a similar price fixing scheme!

Contact your legislators today and tell them to end Connecticut’s outdated and anti-consumer minimum alcohol pricing rules.

As one of only two states left in the nation that prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sunday, Connecticut has been sending the wrong message to consumers and small businesses for far too long.  The End Connecticut’s Blue Laws Coalition is pleased that the General Assembly’s General Law Committee voted today in favor of approving Sunday sales in Connecticut.

However, the coalition is disappointed that the committee did not adopt the Governor’s full proposal to reform the state’s liquor laws.  We hope that the legislature will consider amending the bill to include those provisions and bring CT into the 21st century.  Connecticut’s consumers and small businesses deserve a system that is fair, convenient, and helps small businesses grow.

The Connecticut Post has a strong editorial calling for modernizing the state’s antiquated alcohol blue laws:

It is time to give the advantage to Connecticut consumers when it comes to buying beer, wine and alcohol.

Manmade impediments, including no sales on Sunday, minimum pricing regulations and the exclusion of convenience outlets, should go.

That’s Gov. Dannel Malloy’s position and it makes sense.

Click here to listen to our “Sunday inconvenience” radio ad calling for an end to Connecticut’s outdated ban on the Sunday sale of alcohol at neighborhood grocery and package stores.

Hartford CT – Members of End Connecticut’s Blue Laws Coalition responded to a rally in Goshen today on a legislative proposal to allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays.  While those who attended the rally contend that the legislation would adversely impact small business, the large coalition of businesses and trade associations who support the bill spoke out in favor of the pro-consumer, pro-business proposal.

“This bill would bring Connecticut in line with other states, including every state in New England,” said Stan Sorkin, President of the Connecticut Food Association.  The Connecticut Food Association represents grocers and family-owned businesses around the state that would benefit from the ability to sell alcohol on Sunday to their customers. “The majority of our members are privately-owned, independent grocery stores who are looking for a competitive edge.  This bill will give us a chance that will help us catch up with bordering states so that we can compete.”

In fact, one study shows that Connecticut grocery and package stores lose $570 million in sales to bordering states.  Ending the ban on Sunday sales would lead to an overall increase in sales of between 4 and 8 percent.

“I’m tired of saying no when I want to say yes,” said Gary David, President of David IGA in Kent. “I’ve literally had customers ask me for directions to a store that sells beer and leave their carts behind in my store.  That’s money walking out the door and across the border.”

“Connecticut consumers approve as well,” according to Jay Hibbard, Vice President of the Distilled Spirits Council, who noted that a recent poll showed that two-thirds of Connecticut voters want to eliminate the outdated and inefficient ban. “It’s time to put Connecticut consumers first.”

The legislature will hold a public hearing on HB 5021 on Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building.

Watch our “You Can’t Buy That Today” TV ad about Connecticut’s outdated blue law ban on the Sunday sale of beer, wine, and spirits at neighborhood grocery and package stores.

Take action, click here to contact your legislators and tell them to end CT’s outdated blue laws! http://goo.gl/rhK0C

Click here to contact your legislators today and tell them to end Connecticut’s antiquated alcohol blue laws!

The Bristol Press has an editorial in today’s paper strongly endorsing Governor Malloy’s comprehensive alcohol regulations reform proposal.

Whether package stores open on Sunday — or not — should be left to the individual store owner, not the state of Connecticut.

As we see it, it’s a business decision, not a legal or moral one. Thus, we support Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s plan, outlined in this newspaper Sunday and Monday, to allow the sale of alcohol seven days a week, as well as to overhaul obsolete laws governing the industry in Connecticut.

Click here to contact your legislators today and tell them to end Connecticut’s antiquated alcohol blue laws!

Every Sunday, Whole Foods Markets in Connecticut have to cover over their beer coolers. Here’s how they’re letting their customers know it’s time to end Connecticut’s outdated blue laws like the Sunday sales ban.

Take action, contact your legislators today! http://goo.gl/rhK0C