Winchester moved a step closer to creating a level playing field for business when the Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance Tuesday that allows breweries, microbreweries, wineries and distilleries to serve alcohol on Sundays.

Already, restaurants in Winchester are able to serve alcohol from 1 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. This new ordinance allows the above-mentioned businesses to also serve during those hours.

The decision came after multiple residents spoke at Tuesday’s meeting, both supporting and opposing the expanded sales of alcohol.

Much of the argument against the expanded sale of alcohol on Sunday in the community came from religious groups who argue Sunday should be observed as a holy day, separate from other days of the week. We uphold that there should be a separation of church and state in our local government.

Anyone who chooses not to drink alcohol on Sunday because of religious or other convictions has the right to abstain.

Several people also argued that expanding alcohol sales would likely lead to more incidents of driving under the influence or binge drinking, maybe even lead to other drug use.

The decision as to whether to partake in alcohol falls on each individual, as does the onus to drink responsibly. The city should not make decisions that hinder business opportunities and economic growth based on the assumption that those who drink on Sundays will do so irresponsibly.

The majority of people who drink do so responsibly and are not compelled to use other drugs simply because they enjoy a beer or a glass of wine leisurely.

As several proponents for the expanded sales noted at Tuesday’s meeting, the discussion is not about the ethics of alcohol use. Residents have the freedom to choose to abstain from purchasing alcohol on Sundays or any other day of the week if that is what they choose to do.

However, the issue at hand is about creating a level playing field for businesses in our community. It would not be fair to continue to allow restaurants to serve alcohol, based simply on the fact that they also serve food, but not to allow others who are serving a locally-produced good to serve their products on Sundays.

Local breweries, wineries and distilleries deserve the same opportunity to make revenue and serve customers seven days a week that restaurants deserve.

As we’ve previously stated, we believe other businesses in the community should also have the opportunity to sell alcohol on Sundays — that would include grocers, convenience stores and liquor stores. These businesses lose thousands of dollars each year in sales to nearby Fayette County, where it is legal to sell alcohol by the drink and by the package on Sundays.

While the city has yet to take up this issue, we hope this decision to expand sales for some local businesses will bring our city one step closer to making the sale of alcohol fair across the board.

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. The board is comprised of publisher Michael Caldwell and Bluegrass Newsmedia editors Whitney Leggett and Ben Kleppinger. To inquire about a meeting with the board, contact Caldwell at 759-0095.