Coalition Seeks Repeal of Maui’s New 24-Hour Alcohol Sales Law

Maui Now image.

A public sign waving event takes place this afternoon in Kahului in opposition to Maui County’s new 24-hour alcohol sales law.

The new law went into effect on March 4, 2017, and essentially lifts the 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. restriction on the sale of alcohol at supermarkets, convenience stores and other after hours retail spots.

County officials say all safeguards and restrictions are still in place, except now retailers can decide for themselves the hours they sell alcohol.

Organizers of the sign waving demonstration say they want the Liquor Commission to reverse its decision and want the law repealed. They are also seeking a public hearing to reconsider amendments approved on Feb. 8, 2017 by the Liquor Commission.

Today’s demonstration will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Kaʻahumanu Avenue.

A petition entitled, “County of Maui Liquor Commission: Repeal 24-Hour Alcohol Sales in Maui County” was launched on the Change.org website on behalf of the Coalition to Repeal 24-Hour Alcohol Sales with a goal to obtain 1,000 signatures.

The coalition is made up of concerned organizations and citizens who believe that “round the clock retail sales of alcohol will not contribute to making our community stronger or better.”  “Instead,” they said, “it creates greater risks for our community.”

Participants in today’s event include: Coalition founders and representatives of Hawaiʻi Chapter-Mothers Against Drunk Driving, State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers, Faith Action for Community Equity, Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, and the Family Life Center.