Richmond liquor stores to open on Sundays

Richmond has now been added to the list of cities where liquor can be bought and sold on Sundays.

Beginning July 1, ABC stores in Virginia cities with a population of 100,000 or more will be allowed to open their doors between the hours of one and six.

The bill quickly moved through the House and Senate, and Gov. Timothy Kaine signed it into law on March 2.

Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Chesapeake are also included.

The previous law, enacted in 2004, only allowed ABC stores in cities with populations of 200,000 or more to sell alcohol seven days a week.

Residents have mixed reactions: 

  Priscilla Brown, Chesterfield County

“It should be closed.  It’s just too many issues we have in the community with alcoholism.”

  Earl Richardson, Richmond

“If I ran out on Saturday, I’ll have to come on Sunday.”

  Nien Liu, VCU student

“I don’t really care.  I don’t think it’s going to increase crime or anything.  Crime doesn’t drop off on Sundays because liquor stores are closed.”

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