GCBA Urges Residents to Vote Yes to Municipal Question 2 for Extended Sunday Hours
Monday, November 07, 2011
Dear Gloucester City Resident,
The Gloucester City Business Association (GCBA) requests that all city residents Vote “Yes” to Municipal Question 2 for Extended Sunday Hours in tomorrow’s election. Municipal Question 2 on the election ballot states:
“In order for our restaurants and bars to be competitive with businesses in surrounding communities, shall Sunday hours during which the sale of alcoholic beverages at retail for consumption on premises in the City of Gloucester be expanded to include those hours between 12 PM / Noon (commencement) and 2 AM (cessation) ?”
INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENT
A “Yes” is a vote to permit Sunday sales between 12 P.M./Noon and 2 A.M. A “No” vote is a vote against changing the hours during which sales of alcoholic beverages are now permitted in this municipality.
Currently restaurants and bars in Gloucester City are not permitted to open until 1 PM and must close by 10 PM on Sundays. Restaurants and bars are able to remain open until 2 AM or later in the surrounding communities of Bellmawr, Brooklawn, Haddon Township, Oaklyn andPennsauken. The current 10 PM closing time in Gloucester City requires that our bars and restaurants close before the end of sporting events such as pro football (including the Super Bowl), baseball games including the playoffs and World Series, college and pro basketball games including March Madness and ice hockey games including the Stanley Cup. During the current difficult economic times, GCBA believes our restaurants and bars should not be disadvantaged versus competing businesses in surrounding communities
GCBA believes a “Yes” vote to Municipal Question 2 for Extended Sunday Hours will benefit not only our restaurants and bars but will be helpful to Gloucester City’s economy as well as improve motor vehicle safety since local residents currently must leave Gloucester City and travel to surrounding towns to watch Sunday night events and purchase food and drink. According to the US Department of Labor, small businesses generated 64% of net new jobs over the past 15 years. GCBA is composed of 70+ businesses that employ local workers and continually invest inGloucester City projects and organizations. Marketing research also shows 45% of every dollar spent at a locally owned business goes back into the community and our tax base.
A simple majority is required to pass the question which will then be referred to Mayor and Council for implementation. Therefore, please Vote “Yes” tomorrow to Municipal Question 2 for Extended Hours and keep in mind that St. Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday, March 17 in 2013!
Need to look up your polling place? try the handy polling place locator here:
