Package stores protest against Sundays

Hartford (WTNH) - Hundreds of package store owners are saying no to Sundays. They came to the State Capitol to protest a proposal that would allow liquor sales on that day.

"Someone who doesn't know my business is telling me what's good for my business," Jim Ransford, of CT Beverage Mart, said. "We would love to have the extra revenue but it's not there."

There is a proposal allowing package stores the option to open on Sunday. The supporters say it will increase business and generate more revenue to help the state's budget gap. But some store owners doubt it, claiming it will increase operating costs.

Many compare it to the recent change allowing stores to stay open an extra hour, until 9 pm. Merchants say they didn't see an upswing in sales with another hour and expect an extra day won't do much for the bottom line either.

"If I had the opportunity to increase revenues, don't you think I would be fighting for this?" Ransford questioned.

Those turning out Wednesday for the protest are owners of smaller, mom and pop package stores. They say [if] Sunday sales are okay-ed, they will have no choice but to open to compete with larger markets.

"If your competition is open in your town, one extra day, you are almost forced to open to serve your customers," Manny Patel, of Madison, said.