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ALEX LEARYThe city joins other Tampa Bay area governments making the switch to 11 a.m. on Sundays.
PORT RICHEY - Beer with brunch? Why not? The City Council made that possible Wednesday night by passing an ordinance allowing bars and restaurants in Port Richey to sell alcohol two hours early on Sundays.
By permitting sales at 11 a.m., Port Richey followed a handful of other area governments, including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.
The move was championed by City Council member Phyllis Grae, who was approached recently by a business owner and agreed there was no harm in easing the regulations.
"There's no reason why our businesses should lose out when surrounding areas are already doing it," Grae said before the meeting.
Ordinance 03-156-B - which also permits stores to sell alcohol at 11 a.m. - was given initial approval last month, by a 4-1 vote.
The second and final vote Wednesday night reflected the same spread, with Bill Bennett again dissenting. He says the city is jumping ahead of Pasco County, which has shown no interest in changing its rules.
Generally known as "blue laws," Sunday alcohol restrictions date to 17th century New England when Puritans sought to regulate moral behavior.
Restaurant and bar owners in Port Richey do not expect a significant upturn in business, but said earlier hours could help and will be more convenient for patrons who come to watch NFL games or auto racing.
"I think customers will appreciate this," Hooters general manager Darren McCreary said Wednesday.
A fair amount of customers wait until 1 p.m. to show up, he said, because they cannot have a beer or cocktail until then. But the restaurant opens at 11 a.m., and those who come in earlier, McCreary said, "definitely watch the clock in anticipation."
- Alex Leary covers the city of Port Richey. He can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6247, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6247. His e-mail address is leary@sptimes.com