When the next session of the Alabama Legislature begins on Feb. 7, one of State Rep. Danny Crawford’s first tasks will be to carry a bill that could result in the Sunday sale of alcohol in the city of Athens.

Crawford, who is Athens’ House representative in the eight-man, all Republican Limestone County Legislative Delegation, doesn’t foresee the delegation not supporting the bill nor the Legislature voting the bill down after it hits the floor. The measure would grant the Athens City Council the power to approve Sunday sales without a referendum.

“There’s always been a gentleman’s agreement (in the Legislature) that if it’s a local bill that doesn’t affect you, you don’t try to block it,” Crawford said. “Sometimes, if people are voting with the convictions and are against Sunday alcohol, no matter if they live in Wedowee, they may vote against it. If that’s the case, we may have some concerns.”

The issue of alcohol in Athens is a sensitive issue, and few know that better than Crawford. He was on the City Council that voted to go wet in 2003. The issue spawned a number of public hearings where emotions ran high.

“We took a whooping,” Crawford said with a laugh. “But we sat there and listened to what the people had to say.”

When asked if he personally had a moral dilemma with carrying the bill, Crawford said he’s not carrying a bill for Sunday sales but instead a bill giving the council the authority to approve it. He understands why the council chose this avenue as opposed to a public referendum.

“They’re expensive and if there’s not a lot of people against it, why pay $40,000 for a referendum?” he asked.

Though he’ll have no input into the creation of the bill, Crawford hopes it will be long on specifics, including the hours alcohol can be sold on Sunday and at what type of establishments. He recalled working with councilmen in 2003 to craft the alcohol ordinance to ensure there were no “surprises” for citizens or businesses.

He also hopes the current council will be willing to let the public have their say on the matter. He was surprised no one spoke against the issue at the Jan. 5 meeting where the City Council voted to seek legislative assistance, but believes more people will come forward and offer opinions.

“A lot of folks won’t take the opportunity to go to a council meeting, but they’ll join forces with people at a public hearing,” he said. “You need to let people have a say on those controversial issues.”