For Immediate Release
Date: March 11, 2015

The Georgia General Assembly has approved a bill that would allow Savannah’s bars to be open this Sunday during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. SB 103 passed the House today following last week’s passage by the Senate. It awaits the signature of the Governor.

SB 103 authorizes the governing authority of any city or county in Georgia to allow bars to sell alcohol on one Sunday during each calendar year. City Council had previously authorized the City Manager to take action to allow bars to open this Sunday, pending State approval.

The City had requested such a permanent solution last year, and is confident that SB 103 will resolve any similar issues from occurring in the future.

“I would like to thank the Chatham County Legislative Delegation for securing passage of a bill that restores some equity for businesses during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival,” said Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson. “Local nonprofit associations this Sunday will sell alcohol in the designated Festival Zone, restaurants will sell alcohol, and liquor stores will sell alcohol. It was not fair that State law prohibited bars from earning revenue during the Festival as well.”

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival runs from March 14-17. Go to www.savannahga.gov/savstpat for information.