Gadsden voters turned out Tuesday night and overwhelmingly approved allowing Sunday liquor sales.

During city-wide elections, 68 percent, or 4,618, voted yes for Sunday sales, while 2,136, or 32 percent, voted no, according to unofficial results.

Yes votes were ahead in all 16 precincts.

The vote allows the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages for on and off premises consumption all seven days.

The Gadsden City Council last year unanimously requested the local legislative delegation to allow a vote on the question. The council’s resolution came after a similar request from the Chamber of Gadsden-Etowah County.

City officials have contended that the lack of seven days sales has affected recruitment for restaurant chains, and point to neighboring cities, such as Anniston, where sales were allowed after municipal votes.

A Jacksonville State University study released in February stated Sunday sales would result in 420 new jobs and a $12.6 million annual economic impact for the city.

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