Lawmakers propose Sunday liquor sales

RALEIGH Under the current law, local Alcoholic Beverage Control stores must close and restaurants and bars cannot serve liquor each Sunday.

Statutes known as "blue laws" prohibited most commerce and were rooted in colonial days, when Sunday was reserved primarily for worship. Such laws have faded, though as many as 20 states still prohibit car sales on Sunday.

But analysts say Sunday sales could raise an extra $5.5 million in tax revenue.