Live Oak — Sunday alcohol sales are now a reality in Suwannee County with a recent ordinance amendment allowing such sales as approved recently by the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners. 


The ordinance that dictates the hours that alcoholic beverages can be purchased or consumed on site was amended and approved unanimously at the commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 20. 


The new language was simplified to permit the sales of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption or by the package for off-site consumption “in any business or club open to the public holding a license to sell alcoholic beverages” between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. on the following day, Monday through Sunday. This includes establishments defined as bottle clubs. 


The new ordinance takes affect Dec. 10. A certified copy of the ordinance must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State by the clerk of the Board of County Commissioners within 10 days after enactment. 


The ordinance applies to all establishments that sell alcohol, including restaurants, bars and package stores.

The previous ordinance permitted stores and alcohol consumption facilities to sell during the hours of 7 a.m. to midnight, and were not permitted to sell on Sunday.


According to County Attorney Hal Airth, the ordinance does not apply to the city of Live Oak or town of Branford, however, who have their own policy governing the sale and on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages. Those businesses in the limits of the city of Live Oak or town of Branford must still adhere to the city’s policy of no alcohol sales on Sunday. 


Reaction in the community is mixed.


“In an effort to reduce government regulations, stimulate growth and increase revenue, we amended this ordinance,” said District 1 commissioner Jason Bashaw.

“I’m not for anything that would harm people,” said Larry Simmons. “I’m an ex-alcoholic and drug addict so I know what it can do to people.”


Kalpen Patel of Live Oak Liquors, which opened for business today, said it’s a good thing.


“It’ll be good because now we can keep the money in the county,” said Patel. “They’re going to bring in more revenue.”


Live Oak Liquors is located next to Subway in the Walmart shopping plaza. They opened at 9 a.m.

“I’m against it. I’m against drinking period,” said Leslie Williams. “I’m a Christian and I feel like drinking is abusing our bodies and I don’t think God would want us drinking.”

The political action committee that spearheaded Suwannee County going wet is happy about the ordinance. 
“Suwannee County voters overwhelmingly approved lifting the ban on the sale of intoxicating liquors in August 2011. It is promising to see the Suwannee County commission initiating policies that will help businesses grow. We are optimistic about the future for our county,” said Suwannee Yes! Chairman Clifford Gwinn.