Sunday morning liquor sales approved by Winter Haven commissioners

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to amend the city ordinance preventing morning liquor sales on Sundays.

During the meeting on Monday night, commissioners voted to allow Winter Haven businesses to serve liquor from 7 a.m. on Sunday mornings through 2 a.m. on the following Monday.

Sales for beer and wine during that same time are already allowed.

"This request is consistent with long term goals to grow social, cultural and business community of the city," City Manager T. Michael Stavres commented during the meeting. "Additionally, this amendment allows the city of Winter Haven standards to be more consistent with neighboring municipalities to allow local Winter Haven businesses the opportunity to be competitive within Polk County."

File: Alcohol

The earlier serving time brings Winter Haven in line with ordinances in Bartow, Hanes City, Lakeland, Lake Wales, Mulberry and Polk City which all permit liquor sales prior to noon on Sunday’s.

A law on the books also allows Sunday morning liquor sales across Polk County.