On premises Sunday alcohol sales in the town of Newberry will become a reality after an overwhelming victory for the local merchants requesting the change in the law.

Voting turn out was low and the referendum to have the on site Sunday sales passed 245 to 93 or by almost 75 percent.

The request for the sales on Sunday was lead by local bars and restaurants.

Half Full owner Sean Pomeroy says, “This is a step in the right direction.”

He adds the passage of the Sunday sales results in more businesses being open in Newberry over the weekends and brings more tourist to downtown.

Pomeroy says he will start today to lead the charge to get other establishment signed up for the Sunday alcohol license and that Half Full will extend its hours with the passage of the referendum.

The merchants hope the change in the law will bring more people into town and increase their revenue.

A similar vote is scheduled for Nov. 6 countywide but this referendum will ask if the alcohol can be sold on Sunday for on-site consumption and off-site consumption. This mean it could be sold in restaurants, bars and stores.

If the countywide vote is against the Sunday sale of alcohol it can be still sold for on-site consumption in the city. But if it passes alcohol could also be sold on Sundays in stores.