News 12 at 6 o'clock / Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012

EVANS, Ga. -- While some owners are worried about the extra operating costs, others say the decision was a no-brainer.

Customers say it just comes down to convenience.

"I think it's a great convenience. I didn't have a chance to run my errands [Saturday], so if it wasn't open [Sunday] there'd be no party tonight," said customer Robert Ingrham.

If not for Columbia County's new Sunday alcohol sales, that would have meant no beer for his barbecue.

"We're having a cookout. I was supposed to pick up the beer but I couldn't do it [Saturday], so we're getting it done today," Ingrham said.

Harvard's Wine & Spirits is one of the stores that decided to stay open. Night Manager Elisa Wall said the decision was a no-brainer.

"The reason we decided to open on Sundays is because our Saturday sales have started declining because of Richmond County. So, we're just trying to compete and get our sales back," Wall said.

In the 45 minutes News 12 was there after Harvard's opened on Sunday, nearly 20 people came in looking to buy their alcohol for the Labor Day weekend.

"We need ice, some beer, some stuff to take out on the lake, and on a regular Sunday before, we couldn't do that," said customer Megan Rucker.

Other store owners around the county decided staying open that seventh day just wasn't worth it.

"Biggest reason, I mean that's my day to go to church and be with my family. My 14-year-old's still willing to spend time with me, so after church, lunch, he and I've got the day together," said J & L's Wine & Spirit's owner John Vaiden.

But Vaiden says family time isn't the only reason he's keeping his doors closed.

"Nobody drinks any more, consumes any more, so you're gonna take your six days worth of sales and spread them out over seven days now. So if you're open that seventh day, your payroll goes up, your utilities go up," he said.

"We're just gonna see how it goes and hopefully it'll outweigh the operating costs, cause I mean, it has to," Wall said.

Harvard's said they had more than 120 customers and made at least $1,400 in sales, with an hour still left to be open.

They called it a very successful day.

Vaiden was not open on Sunday, but he said there are a few Sundays he'll be open. He mentioned Super Bowl Sunday and the Sunday before the Masters.

Grovetown has been selling alcohol since late last year.

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