Sunday alcohol sales in Fayetteville restaurants? A July 17 vote by the City Council puts the issue on the November ballot so voters can decide for themselves.

Citing the request for a November referendum vote, Downtown Development Director Nancy Price in a July 10 letter to the council stated that one of the primary goals of Main Street and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is economic development.

“Currently, both boards are actively pursuing various ways to stimulate activity and revitalize our historic downtown,” Price said. “Both boards agree that the square would benefit substantially from the presence of a quality restaurant. After discussion with several potential prospects, it has become increasingly apparent that one concern for relocation or start-up is the ability to maximize their potential revenue. Sunday alcohol sales could allow restaurants to provide full-service operations throughout the week and provide customers the opportunity to patronize a Fayetteville restaurant instead of another restaurant outside of our community or county.”

Price added that Sunday sales could also attract quality restaurants outside the immediate downtown area, particularly in vacant restaurant buildings. Such a move could help the city’s goal of in-fill development and re-development, she said.

Currently, Fayetteville allows liquor by the drink in restaurants every day except Sunday.

Commenting on the proposal July 17, Councilman and DDA Chairman Al Hovey-King said the DDA board had discussed such a move at previous retreats and had concluded that allowing Sunday sales would be beneficial.

“This in no way means we support or don’t support this as a council, but we want the citizens to be able to express their desires,” Hovey-King said. “Some of the better restaurants have inquired about Sunday sales. They prefer the opportunity to sell on Sundays.”

A call from Mayor Ken Steele for public comments on the measure produced none from the few people in attendance at the meeting.

The vote to include the question as a referendum item for voters in November was opposed by Councilman Walt White.

“I get the sense that the November election will have a high turnout and will be a good opportunity to get the feelings of the community,” Steele said.

If approved by voters, Sunday alcohol sales would be permitted from 12:30 p.m. until midnight in any licensed establishment that derives at least 75 percent of its gross annual sales from the sale of prepared foods.