Citrus County has decided that alcohol sales on Sunday mornings is good for business.

The county's decision, however, only applies to the unincorporated county, not the cities of Crystal River and Inverness, which have their own jurisdiction over the sales times.

Alcohol sales have historically been prohibited until 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon under the old law. At the urging of local businesses, the county commission voted to amend that time at its June 14 meeting, and now restaurant goers will be able to have a drink with their Sunday brunch. Now, boaters or picnickers, for example, will be able to purchase beer after 7 a.m. on Sunday morning before their outings.

The logic behind the commission’s changing the law was to make the prohibition times on sales of alcohol the same every day – from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. and allow for more business and convenience on Sundays. Members of the tourism industry had pointed out that if the law was changed, visitors and residents could do their shopping and business in the county -- and not take their business elsewhere.