House Bill would allow wet jurisdictions to sell alcohol on Sundays

A new bill from the Mississippi Legislature would allow wet jurisdictions to permit package retail sales on Sunday — if voters agree to allow it.

It was authored by Representative Brent Powell of District 59.

House Bill 329 passed the Mississippi House passed today in a vote from 68 – 31 with 22 absent or not voting and one person voting ‘present.’

The measure comes as a way to amend a section of the Mississippi Code of 1972, allowing any county, municipality, tribe, or other political subdivision of the state the local option alcoholic beverage control law to authorize permitted package retailers to engage in retail sales from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

60% of the voters in a city or county would have to agree to have Sunday sales in order for the the stores to open on Sundays.

A motion to reconsider was entered by Representative Hank Zuber of District 113, which encompasses Ocean Springs, as well as Representatives Robert Johnson of District 94 and Percy Watson of District 103.

The act would go into effect after July 1, 2024 if passed by the state senate.