Following a failed vote in August, the Town of Smithfield narrowly approved the Brunch Bill on Tuesday night.
In a 4-to-3 vote, the town council approved a measure allowing the sale of malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine and mixed beverages beginning at10:00am on Sunday.
Mayor Pro Tem Emery Ashley and Councilman John Dunn, Steve Rabil and Perry Harris voted for the passage. Councilman Marlon Lee, Travis Scott and Roger Wood voted against the measure.
During the first reading of the ordinance on August 1st, the measure failed to received two-thirds majority. During the second reading on September 5th only a simple majority was required.
Sarah Edwards, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC), spoke in favor of the Brunch Bill at Tuesday night’s meeting. Edwards said it would have a significant financial impact on businesses and the DSDC fully supported the Brunch Bill.
