Sunday Alcohol Sales Dead, For Now.

Chalk up a victory for Carroll Hughes, the lobbyist for the Connecticut Package Stores Association. The Program Review & Investigations Committee is not taking up legislation recommending the Sunday sale of alcohol in retail establishments like supermarkets and package stores. “It is highly controversial with strong sides on each issue,” Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, said. “I know how to count.” Rather than force a vote, Kissel didn’t take up the bill on the committee deadline day, essentially killing the concept. But of course, nothing’s ever dead in the General Assembly. Rep. Kathy Tallarita, D-Enfield, vows that she’ll try to get it into the budget, somehow, under the pretext that it would mean about $8 million a year in additional tax revenue. She’s on the Finance Committee, so she’ll have a venue to persuade lawmakers as the session continues.