By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
The Township Council unanimously passed an ordinance at its March 22 meeting allowing for the sale of alcoholic beverages two hours earlier on Sundays.
On Sunday, alcoholic beverages can now be sold starting at 10 a.m. instead of noon, according to the ordinance.
Township spokesman Ron Schmalz said that the ordinance was requested by the local business community to be more competitive with surrounding townships.
Mayor Frank Gambatese said the ordinance would benefit local businesses with liquor licenses.
The request was made to help the local liquor stores gain the business lost to stores in Frankin Township since they are open more hours, Mr. Gambatese said. The ordinance will allow township liquor stores to open two hours earlier on Sunday, Mr. Gambatese said.
Mr. Gambatese said the council is doing what it can to help the local businesses.
Mr. Gambatese said he does not think that the extra two hours will cause an increase in alcohol related crime because people are “more conscious” of the consequences of drinking and that the stores will not be open long enough to make that kind of impact.
Monmouth Junction resident Ben Ponna, 41, said he and his business partners requested the ordinance that has liquor stores able to sell alcohol from 10 a.m. instead of from noon. Mr. Ponna is one of six partners that have owned the Buy Rite Viking liquor store in the South Brunswick Square Mall for six months.
Mr. Ponna said that liquor stores opened at 10 a.m. in the surrounding communities.
”We were losing business (to Franklin Township),” Mr. Ponna said. “We were losing money.”
Mr. Ponna said he estimates that there will be $200-$300 more sales on Sunday because of the change.
”(With gas prices being what they are) they don’t have to drive far on Sundays for liquor,” Ben said.
The ordinance will go into effect on Monday, since the ordinance states that it will go into effect 20 days after it is passed.
Sgt. James Ryan said that Chief of Police Raymond Hayducka “does not have a position on the alcohol ordinance,” and that it is for the council to decide.

