Sunday Alcohol Sales Unlikely in Vanceburg

City council has approved the first reading to keep alcohol sales in Vanceburg the same after new legislation takes effect Jan. 1.

Mayor Chris McGlone said approval of alcohol sales on Sunday is not included in the ordinance.

“As of right now, there is no plan to approve alcohol sales on Sunday,” McGlone said. “I don’t know if that will change, but right now, it is not in the ordinance.”

According to McGlone, the ordinance first reading is just to make sure the city’s alcohol ordinance is up-to-date with alcohol sales legislation changes at the beginning of the year.

According to Vanceburg Police Chief Joe Billman, the legislation in question comes from House Bill 13, which changes the requirements for alcohol sales on Sunday.

Currently, class I, II, III and IV cities can choose to have alcohol sales on Sunday. Vanceburg is a class IV city, which means council has the authority over alcohol sale days.

However, on Jan. 1, alcohol sales on Sunday will be prohibited in cities with less than 3,000 population, unless an ordinance stating otherwise is already in place.

“That’s my understanding of the new law,” Billman said. “This decision rests solely with the city council. It is not something I or the mayor have any control over.”

The second reading of the ordinance will be held during a special meeting later this month.