Monroe to consider referendum on ‘Brunch Bill’ for early Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages

It is possible that diners at Monroe restaurants will be able to have a mimosa or Bloody Mary with their Sunday brunch in the near future. Monroe City Council members are looking at placing a referendum on the “Sunday Brunch Bill” on the ballot in November. If approved, and passed by the voters, the City of Monroe will join almost 70 other Georgia jurisdictions that passed the measure last year, including Gwinnett and Athens-Clarke counties.

A resolution to call for the referendum is on the July 2019 Monroe City Council Agenda to be discussed at the meeting on July 2 and then voted on the following week. In 2018, the Georgia General Assembly approved, and Gov. Nathan Deal signed, the “Sunday Brunch Bill.” This allows for the sale and on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages between 11 a.m. and 12 midnight on a Sunday if approved by voters by way of a referendum.

If the Monroe City Council approves the resolution, it will likely be added to the ballot for the Nov. 5, 2019, Monroe Municipal elections.