Sen. Lester Jackson’s St. Patrick’s Day Legislation Signed into Law

lester jacksonATLANTA (March 13, 2014) | Today, Gov. Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 318 into law, making it the first piece of legislation he signed from the 2014 Legislative Session. Sen. Lester Jackson (D–Savannah) sponsored SB 318 to authorize the sale of adult beverages for consumption on Sundays during the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, Ga.

“I am thankful my colleagues in the both the Senate and House for acting swiftly to pass this important piece of legislation,” said Sen. Jackson.  “I applaud Gov. Deal for his leadership on this issue and for understanding the significance of this bill.  Not only is it a time honored tradition but our St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a huge source of economic revenue for Savannah and the surrounding areas.  I look forward to this unique celebration continuing for years to come.”

Sen. Jackson authored SB 318 to accomplish three goals:  increase local control as well as state revenue, promote tourism both in Savannah and throughout the state and to allow any place of business that sells adult beverages the same opportunity for sales growth on St. Patrick’s Day.  The bill permits cities and counties that already allow the sale of adult beverages for consumption to adopt a resolution or ordinance allowing the sale of alcohol from 12:30 p.m. until 12:00 midnight on any Sunday on which St. Patrick’s Day falls.

For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2014

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber,Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
adam.sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028