Do Buffalo Bills fans need access to stadium beer before noon on Sunday? That is the question surrounding a proposed measure before the state lawmakers in Albany. Assemblyman Sean Ryan of Buffalo said the Buffalo Bills would like to see approval of a new rule that would allow concessions at Ralph Wilson Stadium to open at 11 a.m. on Sunday when kick off is set for a 1 p.m. game.
Assemblyman Ryan tells WBFO News opening up earlier on Sunday could generate more stadium spending by fans.
"Part of the reason behind the bill is there are substantial renovation being done to the stadium right now, and part of the renovations will be to enhance the concessions to make mini restaurants so we would like to draw more people into the stadium earlier in the day, but we fear they won't be drawn in if they can not have a bear with their sandwich," said Ryan.
The State has a tough "blue law" on the books prohibiting the sale of alcohol until 12 noon on Sundays.
Ryan said a bill has been introduced and is awaiting a sponsor from the state Senate, but the Senate is interesting in a broad-based cleanup of the liquor laws. But the assemblyman noted changes would not be just for the Buffalo Bills at the stadium. If approved, it would apply to other establishments that serve alcohol on Sundays.
"There has been conservation on issue for years with the Buffalo Bills, but other local restaurants and bars that can not serve alcohol. I've had on again off again conversation with the Bills. The current laws are old fashion and not accomplishing what they thought they were going to do when originally passed," said Ryan.
But Ryan realizes opening beer concessions an hour earlier inside the stadium could promote more alcohol consumption.
"If you walk through the stadium parking lot at 9 a.m. on a Bills game day, you know nothing has to be done to promote drinking. I'm more comfortable having the drinking going on inside the stadium because you're drinking beer in a more regulated setting," said Ryan.
