THE ARRIVAL OF SUNDAY SALES of packaged beer/wine/liquor in Rome was always billed as a convenience factor, not a way to make sure more residents become falling down drunk.

Thus it is should be no surprise, in the wake of city voters dumping the old “blue law” this past March, that retailers note there has been no evidence of an upswing in alcohol sales. All the change did, if even that until old habits are broken, is eliminate the last-minute Saturday rush to stock up on liquid refreshments for Sunday football viewing or a family barbecue.

That stores selling alcohol not previously open seven days a week — including all purely liquor stores since they had been banned from selling their wares on Sunday — would now not be enthused by having to “go to work” for an extra day just to remain competitive is entirely understandable. To date most have found little to no sales increase for the added time they have to put in on the job. Some hint they may close on Sunday again.

Or perhaps they’ll start planning “Saturday specials” prior to closing on Sunday that feature product lines beyond beer and wine still not found in Georgia supermarkets and convenience stores. Those who have lived most of their lives “close to home” may not realize that in many states those stores have vodka and bourbon for sale in the aisle next to the soft drinks.