PORTERDALE, Ga. – The Porterdale City Council is leaning toward a referendum later this year to let voters decide on earlier Sunday alcohol sales in the city, according to the city manager.

If approved by voters, the measure, dubbed the “Brunch Bill” would move up the time that alcoholic drinks could be sold and served in the city’s restaurants and hotels 90 minutes from 12:30 p.m. to 11 a.m.

In order to comply with the law, an establishment would have to garner at least 50 percent of its annual gross sales from the sale of prepared meals, or from the rental of rooms for overnight lodging.

The possible change came about as the result of legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly earlier this year authorizing municipalities to permit and regulate Sunday sales of distilled spirits and alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The issue was raised during a Monday council work session where members raised concerns about the cost of a special election for the vote.

City Manager Bob Thomson said if the funds are available to move forward, members could take up the measure at its first meeting in August.