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CHEERS: Charlotte City Council approves ‘brunch bill'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte leaders held a vote Monday night that many in the Queen City have been waiting for -- the decision whether to allow alcohol to be purchased earlier on Sundays.

Alcohol can now be served at 10 a.m. instead of noon, starting this Sunday.

The vote was unanimously in favor of the “brunch bill.”

The extra two hours of sales each week could bring the average business an added $25,000 each year.

Leaders have said they want to get the “brunch bill” passed before the PGA Championship comes to Charlotte. That tournament begins Aug. 7 at Quail Hollow Club.

For some, Sunday brunch isn’t complete without a mimosa or a Bloody Mary, but it’s when those drinks would be served that worries some church leaders.

A reverend with the Christian Action League told Channel 9 that the entire notion is disrespectful to churches.

The ordinance not only allows restaurants to sell alcohol at 10 a.m., but residents will be able to buy beer and wine from stores at that time too.

Other cities have already voted to allow earlier alcohol sales on Sunday.

In Wilmington, even the mayor joined in on the fun Sunday by ordering a mimosa before noon. It was the first day under the new law there.

City Council will also choose a new representative for District Two -- Carlenia Ivory.

Al Austin left the council last month to take a job with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

City Council also signed off on a major construction project Monday night.

Council members approved $18.5 million for The Link that will connect Bojangles’ Coliseum to Ovens Auditorium.

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