Mississippi House Bill HB105

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Alcoholic beverages; allow holders of package retailer's permits to sell on Sunday.

Impact

The impact of HB105 could be significant in altering the landscape of alcohol sales in Mississippi. The expected outcome of the bill is an increase in business for package retailers, particularly in tourist areas or locations where Sunday sales can attract more customers. The potential financial benefits could also contribute to local economies by enhancing revenue and creating more job opportunities within the retail alcohol sector.

Summary

House Bill 105 aims to amend Section 67-1-83 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically designed to allow holders of package retailer’s permits to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays. This change seeks to address the current laws which prohibit such sales on Sundays and Christmas Day, aligning the availability of alcohol sales with modern consumer expectations and practices. By lifting this prohibition, the bill intends to provide an additional opportunity for retailers to enhance their sales and comply with evolving social norms regarding alcohol consumption.

Contention

However, this change is likely to stir discussions among various community groups and stakeholders. Some may argue that allowing alcohol sales on Sundays could lead to increased problems related to alcohol consumption, such as public intoxication and related incidents. Opposition might come from religious groups or community advocates who believe that the traditional restrictions on alcohol sales promote a healthier and safer community environment. Therefore, while the bill aims to modernize the sales laws, it may also provoke significant social dialogue regarding alcohol consumption practices in Mississippi.