ATLANTA (AP) - Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill paving the way for communities to approve Sunday alcohol sales at stores.

Deal signed the legislation Thursday morning before heading to north Georgia to survey severe storm damage.

Several communities are already preparing to put Sunday sales measures on the ballot this year for voters to decide.

The legislation passed this year after five years of stalling amid pressure from religious groups and veto threat from then-Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Georgia is one three states that do not allow stores to sell alcohol on Sunday

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Senate Bill 10: www.legis.ga.gov