Carrboro is freeing the mimosa after the Board of Aldermen called a special meeting Monday. Officials took the time to consider and unanimously pass the “Brunch Bill” ordinance.

Previously, in North Carolina, the sale of alcohol was prohibited before noon on Sundays, but Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 155 into law last week, allowing cities and towns to bump the Sunday alcohol sale time to 10 o’clock in the morning at the earliest.

However, cities and towns must follow up with local ordinances in order to enact the bill.

Board Member Damon Seils said the board called a special meeting so that the restaurants of Carrboro could enjoy the economic benefit of offering alcoholic drinks earlier during the summer.

“We’re not going to be meeting again until the fall, so it didn’t make sense, I think, for us to deny our restaurant owners the opportunity to realize what I think is going to be a real benefit over the summer,” he said. “Just because we didn’t want to take the time to meet, which we could do so pretty easily.”

According to the Carrboro ordinance, qualifying alcohols include wine, fortified wine, malt beverages and mixed beverages.

But Board Member Bethany Chaney said not everyone in Carrboro is supportive of the “Brunch Bill.”

“Not everyone is as appreciative of the opportunity to start brunch a little earlier,” she said. “And there are plenty of people out there who have been hurt by alcohol either directly or indirectly from addiction and abuse.”

Orange County Commissioner Penny Rich also attended the meeting, and said it’s important to be respectful of others’ choices, but it’s also an important chance for those who work in food service to make more money.

“What 10 o’clock means is that you can do two brunch sittings, as opposed to one. So it’s an economic driver, but you’re right, Damon, it also allows people that are coming to work on a Sunday to get twice the amount of tips. So, I agree. We’re not encouraging more people to drink, but if you can serve at 10:00 and turn the table over and serve at 12 o’clock again, it’s a benefit for everyone.”

The ordinance is now effective, and Carrboro residents can begin enjoying Bloody Marys and mimosas as soon as 10 o’clock Sunday morning.

 

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