Oklahoma has become the 40th state in the union to legalize spirits sales on Sundays. The change will help alleviate the negative impact felt by small-scale retailers that were affected by the state’s decision last year to allow wine sales in grocery stores. The new rule takes effect October 1, 2018. Oklahoma closely follows Minnesota, which approved similar legislation earlier this year.
Alabama is also moving in that direction. More than eight years ago, the state legislature voted to allow Sunday alcohol sales in restaurants, furthering demand from retail and grocery stores for similar rights. So far, five municipalities in the state have successfully petitioned Governor Kay Ivey on behalf of retail constituents for permission to sell alcohol on the Sabbath.
Since 2002, 14 states have moved to legalize Sunday sales of distilled spirits.
