§45-24-20. Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages - Unincorporated areas.

(a) This section shall apply only in Dallas County.

(b)(1) The voters of Dallas County may authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages within the county on Sunday by an election pursuant to this section, in the following manner:

Within 30 days from April 2, 2012, the Dallas County Commission, by resolution, may call an election for the county to determine the sentiment of the voters of the county as to whether or not alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or distributed on Sunday within the county.

(2) On the ballot to be used for such election, the question shall be in the following form: "Do you favor the legal sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages within the county on Sunday between 12:00 P.M. (noon), and 9:30 P.M., and on those Sundays on which occurs New Year's Eve (December 31), after 12:00 P.M. (noon)? Yes ___ No ___."

(c) The first election and any subsequent elections shall be held and the officers appointed to hold the election in the manner provided by law for holding other county elections, and the returns thereof tabulated and results certified as provided by law for county elections. Any Sunday sales election shall be held as provided in this section as a special election or any subsequent county election following the date of the resolution.

(d) Notice of the election shall be given by the governing body of the Dallas County Commission by publication or by posting the notice at the county courthouse apprising the voters of the county, at least three weeks before the date of the election, that an election shall be held to determine whether alcoholic beverages may be sold in the unincorporated areas of the county on Sunday. The cost of the election shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.

(e) Only qualified voters of the county may vote in the election. If a majority of the voters voting in the election vote "Yes," alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or dispensed within the unincorporated areas of the county on Sunday by licensees of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the county serving the general public in accordance with applicable laws and regulations between the hours of 12:00 P.M., noon, and 9:30 P.M. Except as authorized by law or during such hours, it shall be unlawful for any licensed vendor to sell, dispense, or permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on Sunday. Provided, that on those Sundays on which occurs New Year's Eve, December 31, alcoholic beverages may be sold or dispensed by such licensees pursuant to applicable laws and regulations any time after 12:00 P.M., noon. The county may enact, by ordinance, such policies it deems appropriate to regulate any aspect of Sunday alcoholic beverages sales.

(f) If a majority of the voters voting in the election vote "No," alcoholic beverages may not be sold or dispensed in the unincorporated areas of the county on Sunday after the hour of 2:00 A.M., except as otherwise authorized by law or by subsequent election which legalizes the sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages on Sunday.

(Act 2012-169, p. 258, §§1, 2.)