ATLANTA — When is St. Patrick’s Day?
The Georgia State Senate passed a measure that redefines the St. Patrick’s Day holiday to include the Sunday prior March 17. That gives local authorities the power to regulate the Sunday sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on restaurant premises, which officials say will help with tourism.
The state Senate passed Senate Bill 103 by a 32-19 margin. The measure is now pending in the Georgia House of Representatives.
“With the passage of Senate Bill 103, visitors and locals alike will be able to celebrate our city’s biggest holiday on Sunday,” state Sen. Lester Jackson, D- Savannah, said in a news release. “This piece of legislation ensures that our local economy reaps all of the benefits from this annual celebration that brings more than half a million unique visitors to our historic city.”