Craven County commissioners reject change to allow earlier Sunday alcohol sales after strong public opposition

The Craven County Board of Commissioners voted down a proposal to change the county39s ordinance for Sunday alcohol sales from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., following more than an hour of public comment that largely urged commissioners to preserve the later start time.

Commissioner Jeff Mark, who moved the amendment, said he filed the measure in response to requests from Fairfield Harbor and several retailers that said earlier opening would help Sunday brunch business. "I made the motion because Fairfield Harbor asked me to do that," Mark said during discussion.

Many residents who spoke during the public-comment period framed the issue as a matter of community values rather than economics. "I hate that this issue is even controversial," Kim Fink of Goose Creek Road said, urging the board not to change an ordinance without a public hearing. Pastor Barry Teague testified that people drinking at 10 a.m. were more likely to be struggling with alcoholism and voiced concern about exposing church congregations and children to nearby patrons.

Commissioners debated both procedural and substantive angles. Several members referenced religion and public health in their remarks; Chairman Jones and others noted the question had been considered by the board in prior years. Commissioner Mitchell and Commissioner Mark voted in favor of amending the ordinance; Commissioners Hunt, Smith, Howard, Vice Chairman Booker and Chairman Jones voted against it. The motion failed by roll call, 2-5.

The vote leaves the county39s current local regulation unchanged; some municipalities within Craven County already set their own sale hours, and several speakers asked the board to respect those local differences. The ordinance change would have affected sales in unincorporated parts of the county only; the board did not take further action on the matter during the meeting.

The meeting recessed for five minutes after the vote and then proceeded to other business on the agenda.