A lineup of classic brunch drinks is shown.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A push to put Bloody Marys and mimosas on the Sunday brunch menu in West Virginia picked up the Senate’s endorsement Tuesday.
State senators voted 34-0 Tuesday to pass the so-called “brunch bill,” which removes a longstanding prohibition on alcohol sales at West Virginia restaurants before 1 p.m. Sundays.
“This bill is about freedom,” said Sen. Chris Walters, R-Putnam. “It’s about giving people the right to brunch in West Virginia.”
Under the legislation, restaurants, distilleries and wineries could start selling cocktails and wine as early as 10 a.m.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, cities in Kentucky and Virginia, and counties in Maryland have passed laws to allow early sales on Sundays. Georgia has a similar bill pending before its legislature.
“This puts us in line with all the surrounding states,” said Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha.
Lawmakers say the bill will boost tourism and give West Virginia’s hospitality industry a shot in the arm…
