E-mail
PrintJEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would put Valentine's Day on the same level as Super Bowl Sunday for liquor laws is one of the first bills headed for debate by the Missouri House of Representatives this legislative session.
Valentine's Day this year falls on a Sunday, which would mean, if the bill isn't passed, licensed bars and restaurants without a Sunday permit could not sell liquor that day.
"Honestly, if Super Bowl Sunday is good enough to be given special treatment in Missouri law, then I think Valentine's Day probably belongs there too," Rep. Jake Zimmerman, D-St. Louis County, said.
"I think my girlfriend might be displeased with me if I suggested otherwise."
The bill passed out of the House Rules Committee Monday afternoon with a 9-2 vote.
Rep. Larry Wilson, R-Flemington, was one of the two "no" votes, even though he said he doesn't have anything against the bill.
"Morally I just felt I couldn't vote for the bill," he said. "That's the real reason, the only reason."
When heard in the House Tourism Committee, proponents for the bill said many small businesses cannot afford the Sunday liquor license and lose out on substantial business when holidays fall on Sundays.
Other days now exempt from Sunday liquor laws include New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day, July Fourth and the Sundays prior to Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Show Me the Errors 
Comments
So "Rep. Larry Wilson, R-Flemington" has nothing against it but he thinks it's morally wrong. Seems contradictory, maybe it's just me.
Maybe the real solution would be to do away with Sunday licenses and let those establishments that already have a general license the ability to dispense on Sundays as well...