Bar owners seek Sunday option

Square bar and restaurant owners are hoping to see the passage of the Sunday sales issue for more than just the plausible economic benefits. 

They also want to have the right to choose.

Those supporting alcohol on Sundays focus mainly on the economic benefit of the seven full days of alcohol sales. 

Randy Yates, owner of Ajax on the Square, said that naturally, as a restaurant owner, he is for Sunday sales. It shouldn’t be illegal just one day of the week, he said. 

“And the sales on Sunday could only benefit a business,” Yates said. 

This is the argument of most of the bar and restaurant owners on and around the Square.

“Sunday is part of some people’s weekends, and it shouldn’t be illegal just one day of the week,” Yates said concerning those who work all day and/or night on Saturdays.

Another contributing factor to much of the support from restaurants on Sunday sales are the NFL games, which take place on Sundays and Mondays. 

“We lose all of our NFL traffic, except for Monday night football,” Yates said. “(If Sunday alcohol sales were approved), I would definitely consider opening on Sunday.”

Most Square restaurants and even some retail businesses are in agreement with this statement, when taking into consideration the much-needed attention and business the Square would receive on those days, especially during football season. 

People would be welcome to come in, have a beer, and watch the Saints game, Yates said. 

“And people would be welcome to come in and not drink.”  

“Things do slow down once football season is over,” Caitlyn Gracie, junior hospitality major, said. “But alcohol sales can only benefit a business, especially on certain weekends.”

“When my parents are in town, we’d like to enjoy a glass of wine at dinner on Sunday,” Catherine Lee, senior elementary education major, said. 

“It’d be really convenient to have the option to go out and have a drink on Sunday.”

Recently, the Board of Aldermen voted 6-1 against a simple attempt at alcohol sales on Sunday. 

The issue, which has been in debate for quite some time, is a recurring hot topic for Square-goers, as well as business owners on the Square, University students and Oxford residents.

Sunday alcohol sales remain a divided subject among the community. 

Those opposed to the issue primarily are so because they say the Square is rambunctious enough on Friday and Saturday nights. They also suggest that just one day of not selling alcohol couldn’t hurt anyone.

“With Double Decker now taking place on a Sunday, the lack of alcohol sales on Sunday will take a toll on businesses on the Square,” Laura Kyle, junior marketing and communications major, said. 

However, she said she can see both sides to the issue because people see Sunday as a religious day, and no one wants to disrespect that, but one doesn’t have to be religious to oppose or even to support Sunday sales.

“I don’t know if Sunday could be equated with a Thursday or Saturday night scenario, but I can understand them wanting to give law enforcement a break on Sundays,” Leslie Frazier, owner of LaShea’s on the Square, said. “But I don’t know if I have a clear opinion either way; it’s a mixed issue for me.”

Those who oppose the issue fear that the culture and night life of the Square would drastically change for the worse if Sunday alcohol sales are approved, but Frazier said she doubts it would change that much. 

Yates agreed.

 “I don’t think people really go out and get crazy on Sundays. It’s a quality of life issue. And I certainly hope (it is approved),” Yates said.