For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Beginning November 21, Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control’s (DLC) 24 County-owned liquor and wine stores will be open on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. for a six-month trial period.
During this time, DLC will closely monitor costs, revenues, customer satisfaction and community response, and impacts on privately-owned and operated licensed businesses. Montgomery County currently allows Sunday alcohol sales in privately-owned beer and wine stores and on premise at licensed restaurants.
The Department of Liquor Control is a non-tax supported enterprise fund, and its operations generate net profits which are contributed to the County’s General Fund. The pilot program is not designed to generate any specific estimated amount of additional revenue but is being introduced more as a customer-friendly, consumer convenience initiative. Sundays are traditionally the second or third busiest retail shopping day, along with Fridays and Saturdays. Currently, 38 states (including Maryland and Virginia) allow Sunday sales of distilled spirits.
Eighteen states and select counties, including Montgomery County, chose to regulate alcohol sales after prohibition. As a "control jurisdiction" Montgomery County facilitates the wholesale distribution of beer, wine and spirits to more than 900 local licensed establishments.
For more information about the Department of Liquor Control, call 240-777-1917.
Release ID: 10-451