To many who enjoy a Sunday brunch, it seems odd that you can enjoy a mimosa but not a Bloody Mary before noon. LB-861 would change that.

On Monday, the Nebraska Legislative General Affairs Committee held a public hearing on the bill which would treat Sunday like every other day of the week in terms of liquor sales.

Right now, beer and wine sales are fine after 6am on Sundays. However, hard liquor cannot be sold until noon. The difference explains the Sunday brunch dilemma.

Sunday brunch is not the only motivation Omaha Sen. Abbie Cornett had to introduce LB-861. A member of her staff told the committee that more consistency is needed. Right now, exceptions can be made on Sunday liquor sales if the city and state approve. Some examples of that include Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day if it falls on a Sunday.

A lobbyist for the city of Omaha spoke in favor of the bill.

The executive director of Project Extra Mile spoke out against LB-861. Diane Riibe says expanding drinking hours would only add to the problem of binge drinking, particularly among young adults.