Jones: No to Sunday morning alcohol sales

The issue of extended hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages within the City of St. Augustine was back in front of commissioners last night — this time to change the weekday opening hour from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Vice Mayor Errol Jones has expressed some concern for fishermen who start their day early and want to buy their beer or liquor before setting out in the morning.

At the regular meeting of the St. Augustine City Commissioners on January 25th, the commission, including Jones, agreed to temporarily extend closing hours for alcohol sales from 1:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. The extended hours began at 7:00 a.m., on February 5th and will end at 2:01 a.m., on July 12th. City officials plan to review the ordinance at that time for possible renewal.

Jones stopped short, however, on a proposal to extend opening hours on Sunday morning.

Instead, Jones spoke to the traditional values of Sunday worship, as did Commissioner Don Crichlow.

After consideration, the commission rejected any adjustment to the 1:00 p.m. Sunday opening time contained in the current ordinance applicable to the sales of hard liquor, beer and wine.

The proposed ordinance concerning extended weekday opening hours was advanced to public hearing and second reading at the next regular commission meeting, February 22nd.