George Fergusson signed four pieces of legislation into law on Christmas Eve, including the Liquor Licence Amendment Act 2013.

Confirmation of the Governor’s assent was published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday, essentially clearing the way for liquor stores and grocery outlets to sell alcohol on Sundays.

And all indications point to next weekend being the first time retailers will test the public’s appetite for buying alcohol on a Sunday.

While some liquor store owners said they’re ready to make sales as of this Sunday, others plan to get permission first from Bermuda’s Liquor Licensing Authority.

Either way, most liquor store owners plan to test the waters first before making a final decision to change work schedules to sell alcohol on Sundays. Court Street Liquors is on such business planning on taking the plunge, a move that would see them open on a Sunday for the first time in 20 years operating as a business.

“In today’s economy businesses have to do what they have to stay in business,” a spokesman for the retailer said. “We’ll test the waters for a month or so before making a final decision on opening regularly on Sundays.”

Alfonso Harris who owns and manages Churchill’s on York Street in St George’s plans to open as early as 9am on Sundays. And, if he could open this Sunday, he said he would.

“They could have had it passed before the end of the year and we could have used it during the holidays,” he said. “Personally, I think it’s about time, and, yes, we will take advantage of it, thank you.”

Asked whether he felt sales would be brisk on Sundays he said: “It’s a matter of preference for most people, for me I think there’s a need and it will help out business wise.

“We’re suffering in St George’s so any opportunity to boost business I will gladly embrace because things have been tough.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman at Henry’s Liquor Pantry said he was under the impression that all licensed premises will have to secure permission from the Licensing Authority first.

“We were told we would have to get the necessary forms cleared before opening on Sundays,” he said. “As far as I know it’s the same for any licensed establishment.”

Efforts to secure an official statement on when liquor stores will actually open on Sundays was not available at press time.

However, in the lead up to the change, a number of clergymen, and charities, sounded clear warnings on the social implications for Bermuda.

Major Shawn Critch, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, while concerned by “the increased availability of alcohol through Sunday shopping” said Sunday sales is “not the primary issue”.

“We need to be careful that a focus on Sunday drinking does not become a distraction to the more important conversation about the use, and misuse, of alcohol. The availability of alcohol on any day of the week presents the need to work at ensuring responsible decisions,” said Maj Critch.

“Research has shown that increased availability of alcohol leads to increased alcohol consumption, which in turn leads to increased negative alcohol-related social and economic impacts.

“We all know that there are members of our families and our community who have devastated their own lives and damaged their families through alcohol abuse.

“As a community we have a responsibility to inform and educate and live by example, and so promote good decision-making. We need to have more intentional conversations about harm minimisation strategies. And we need a public awareness approach that addresses alcohol addiction already within our community and that safeguards against it becoming worse.

“While The Salvation Army actively supports legislation and policy that encourages healthy lifestyles, and while Salvationists pledge to live alcohol-free lives themselves, we are also deeply committed to working with excellence with individuals, families and communities whose health, relationships and social well-being have been damaged by the misuse of and addiction to any harmful substances.”

Martha Dismont, Executive Director of the Family Centre concurred with Major Critch.

“I could not have said it any better than Major Critch. I believe his comments hit the nail directly on its head,” said Ms Dismont.

“The point is not so much about alcohol sales as it is about informed and thoughtful decision-making. The decision appears to be lacking thoughtful consideration and consultation with a broader group of stakeholders. There is very little for me to add to his comments.”

Meanwhile Rev Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, cautioned against the pitfalls of making ‘escapist and addictive pursuits’ more readily available.

“We appear to be on an interesting trajectory — relaxing laws on the availability of alcohol, potentially legalising the use of cannabis, the gambling issue,” he said.

“All of these things can be argued to be escapist and potentially harmful and addictive pursuits — with huge social and familial consequences for both users and the community at large. I am concerned about this.

“When we go through hard times, the temptation is to numb ourselves or step out of the loop, to find distractions that may ease the pain, but can cause greater problems and dislocation. I know people want the ability to choose and it is not the place of Governments to nanny their people, but sometimes we do need laws that protect and safeguard the vulnerable, even if the majority are safe.”