By Jessica Coates

jessica.coates@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY – Heather Teeter, owner of Sweet Meadow Cafe on North Main Street, says that not being able to serve alcohol on Sunday mornings often makes the noon brunch rush a nightmare.

“Everyone wants to come in at noon, but we only have so many chairs,” Teeter said.

And for those who come in before noon, it’s “obviously kind of a challenge to tell people you can’t have a bloody mary yet.”

But soon, Teeter may not have to worry about either of those problems.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, council members gave City Manager Lane Bailey permission to draft an ordinance that would allow Senate Bill 155, better known as the “brunch bill,” to be adopted in Salisbury.

The bill would allow Salisbury restaurants to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays, something they were previously unable to do.

The bill was signed into law June 30.

Elaine Spalding, president of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, brought the brunch bill to the attention of Bailey and the council within days of hearing that it had become law.

“I think everyone in our community will be very excited,” Spalding said. “I’m very pleased that the city already has this in the works.”

The council will revisit the topic at its Aug. 1 meeting, when city staff presents the adoption ordinance.

Although the brunch bill is a state law, its provisions cannot be legalized in a specific city until the local government approves.

Other cities that have adopted the brunch bill include Raleigh, Carrboro and Hendersonville.

Contact reporter Jessica Coates at 704-797-4222.