Piedmont sunday sales bill headed for vote

Sen. Del Marsh

The Legislature may soon consider a bill allowing Sunday alcohol sales int he city of Piedmont but city officials say they are surprised at the wording of the bill.  Sen. Del Marsh introduced the bill last week. It’s worded to legalize the sale of alcohol in Piedmont on Sundays as soon as it becomes law. But Marsh and Piedmont Mayor Bill Baker said they thought Piedmont’s bill left the ultimate decision-making authority up to the council the same as bills passed last year for the cities of Anniston and Weaver.    Piedmont’s bill also takes away the council’s authority to repeal Sunday sales later on. Marsh said the difference between Piedmont’s bill and the other local cities' Sunday alcohol bills won’t change his opinion on the matter. Piedmont’s council passed the resolution concerning Sunday alcohol sales in December. Mayor Billy Baker said city officials requested the legislation on behalf of local business owner Ronnie Norton, who sells alcohol at his stores.  Unlike the legislation for Weaver and Anniston, Baker said Piedmont’s bill would authorize Sunday sales throughout the city’s police jurisdiction  which extends about 1.5 miles from the city limits. He said that change is because at least one of Norton’s stores is in the police jurisdiction.  The bill must receive a signature from Sen. Jerry Fielding before it moves forward through the process to a vote. Fielding said he could sign off on the Piedmont bill as early as today, when the Legislature reconvenes. He said he typically supports local legislation that is supported by local lawmakers and residents.