After St. Petersburg changed its law and Largo merchants complained of losing business, the commission takes a step toward early sales.
By SHANNON TAN
Published August 20, 2003
LARGO - After St. Petersburg relaxed its ban on Sunday morning alcohol sales, Mugs 'N Jugs customers started demanding their booze early too.
Sorry, we can't serve you until after 1 p.m., restaurant manager Abe Moussa told them. So they left, presumably to quench their thirst several blocks away - in St. Petersburg.
Determined not to lose any more customers, Moussa took action.
He called City Manager Steven Stanton, talked to Mayor Bob Jackson's secretary, and e-mailed the City Commission. Then he went from business to business on Ulmerton Road trying to drum up support.
Tuesday, Moussa watched as commission members approved the first reading of an ordinance that would allow grocery stores, restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages starting at 11 a.m. Sundays.
Other cities in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, including Clearwater and Tampa, also are pushing for looser alcohol laws.
As interest mounted, Pinellas County officials challenged St. Petersburg's decision, saying the city lacked the authority to do so.
On Tuesday, the county relaxed its stance somewhat when it decided to seek input from city mayors and the public to create a countywide ordinance that would equalize the playing field.
That was unknown to Largo officials Tuesday, who decided to push on despite the county's previously stated objections.
"We looked at the county's opinion and we think they're wrong," Stanton said.
"The city has the authority to adopt this ordinance," City Attorney Alan Zimmet said.
With that, the commission unanimously passed the first reading of the ordinance. A public hearing will be held Sept. 2, when the commission will take its final vote on the matter.
"I appreciate what they've done," Moussa said after the vote. "It'll just be in time (for football season)."
Football games usually start at 1 p.m. Fans want their beer in hand before kickoff.
"If you can't go to my place and you can't go to ABC place in St. Pete, that's fair," said Moussa, "but if you're giving the city of St. Pete a little advantage over us in Largo, that's not fair."
Brian Williams, manager of Grillmarks in Largo, also supports the ordinance.
"I would like to be able to serve alcohol when I open the doors" on Sunday, said Williams, whose restaurant serves a light brunch starting at 11:30 a.m.
Still, he prefers that any changes in blue laws apply to the entire county.
"Make it countywide if you're going to do it," he said.
