With little fanfare or huge crowds, local citizens quietly  enjoyed a privilege known by almost every other state in the country on  New Year’s Day.

For the first time since Valdosta was originally incorporated in 1860,  locals were allowed to legally purchase alcohol.

Back in November, voters narrowly approved a referendum to allow businesses to sell packaged alcohol for consumption off-premises between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 on Sundays.

“I’ve only had about seven customers so far,” said local convenience store cashier B.J. Jordan. “It’s still early, I’m pretty sure they’ll come in later. There’s been people calling all day asking if we sell alcohol. They’re ecstatic. They’ve been calling for the last couple of weeks. I didn’t think it would ever happen here in South Georgia in the  Bible Belt — they’ve turned it down for so long.”

For Brandi Griffin, the new law just made sense.

“It should have happened a long time ago,” said Griffin. “Sunday’s the only day we don’t work so it’s much more convenient for us to buy alcohol on Sundays, since we work weekend nights and we always get off too late.”

Many convenience and liquor stores remained closed on Sunday, leaving only a few options for patrons. Other convenience stores were open, but had decided against paying the $1,000 fee required by the City of Valdosta to sell alcohol on Sundays on top of their normal fees.

Tom Fazekas, managing partner at Five Points Liquor Store said business was about what he expected. “I’ve had people actually come in today just because they could,” he said. “I grew up in a state that allowed Sunday sales. This was grossly overdue.”

Jordan thought the new law would make the streets safer since those looking for an alcoholic beverage would be able to enjoy them at home rather than being forced to drive home from bars.

Jesse Banner, 59, was beaming with pride to be one of the first Valdosta residents to get a beer on Sunday. Having grown up in other states, he reasoned that the new law would cut down on many of the illegal activities associated with the old way.

“We’re going to see many of the bootleggers, shot houses and moonshine operations disappear,” said Banner. “I mean, why would I illegally pay two dollars for something that costs a dollar? This is going to flip the economy and get it back on track. Those illegal operations never paid taxes or bought licenses, so both sides can benefit from this.”

He also thought that the old laws were a bit arbitrary. After all, retailers could sell alcohol on Saturday nights, up until 2 a.m. on Sunday morning.

“Can’t nobody put a gun to your head and make you consume alcohol,” said Banner. “If you’ve got common sense, it’s not a problem – the excess is the sin. God didn’t say not to drink, he said don’t be drunk on strong drink.”

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