With New Law In Effect, Liquor Flows On Sunday In Rogers County

After voters' voices were heard, it was the first Sunday that Rogers County bars and restaurants are able to sell beer, wine and liquor.

The bar area at El Maguey was busy serving up margaritas for the first Sunday liquor sales are allowed in the county. In Claremore, restaurant owners are seeing dollar signs.

El Maguey's owner believes her sales nearly will double because Rogers County voters approved the measure during the June 24 primary election.

County commissioners designated July 6 the first Sunday for liquor to flow.

7/6/2014 Related Story: Some Rogers County Businesses See Sunday Liquor Sales As Growth Opportunity

We talked with two restaurant owners in Claremore who say many people used to travel to Tulsa to enjoy drinks with their Sunday brunch.

They said they've already seen great responses from restaurant-goers, and they have served several alcoholic drinks.

"You know, if a family comes in and the adults get a couple margaritas, that's at least $10 more, so you're looking at least a $10-$15 tip for one table," El Maguey server Amber Brassfield said.

The owner said they were so busy selling drinks that she now plans to add more wait staff on Sundays.

She says that is just another upside to the new law.

The new measure makes it legal to buy and consume beer, wine and liquor on Sundays for consumption on-premises, such as at restaurants.

The vote also legalized on-site liquor sales on Thanksgiving and Christmas, which were previously outlawed.

According to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, 28 of the 53 Oklahoma counties that allow alcohol sales also prohibit liquor consumption at restaurants, bars, taverns and casinos during certain hours on Sundays.

Down the street in Claremore, Juan Leon at Los Aztecas says selling drinks Sundays will help off set the $5,000 he pays for liquor licenses.

"Friday, Saturday, Sunday is when you sell liquor," he said. "That's when people want to drink."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.