Albany hotel overcomes crucifixion attempt, allowed to sell alcohol in first hours of January
Everybody knows that we get an extra day on the calendar every four years. But when Albany city leaders were drawing up a law several years ago to allow Sunday alcohol sales, they didn’t consider that New Year’s Eve falls on the Sabbath every seven years.
Nevertheless, the Hilton Garden Inn manager has won his case for certain businesses to be able to sell alcohol after midnight on New Year’s Eve, but only after being forced to sweat a little.
As a result of Hilton manager Todd Cleveland’s advocacy, businesses that have a permit to sell alcohol on Sundays will be able to serve New Year’s libations through the festivities until 2:55 a.m. Monday.
Like other hotel and restaurant operators throughout the state, Mr. Cleveland asked local government to amend a local law prohibiting alcohol sales after midnight on Sundays because New Year’s Eve is on Sunday.
Albany City Commissioner Tommie Postell extensively grilled Mr. Cleveland, asking him whether he represented other businesses and insisting that he be specific about the revenue the Front Street hotel and conference center would miss out on without the amendment he requested.
Mr. Postell initially said he would not support Mr. Cleveland’s request because he is against Sunday alcohol sales, then momentarily opened the door for his consideration of a calculated economic value can be determined. Mr. Postell then shut the door by saying that Mr. Cleveland did not have enough information. He then relented and approved the Hilton’s request.
The Georgia Municipal Association reports that cities statewide made same request as the Hilton did in Albany. Many wondered if they can be afford extended hours for New Year’s Eve celebrations which will begin on a Sunday and then continue into New Year’s Day on a Monday, the GMA told its member cities.
The GMA said that jurisdictions that allow the sales of alcoholic beverages by the drink on Sunday typically provide that the beverages may be sold until midnight pursuant to state law. However, while state law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays mornings after 2:55 a.m., state law does not appear to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages early on weekday mornings, the GMA said.
