Fort Oglethorpe City Council members voted 3-2 Monday night to put Sunday alcohol sales on the ballot in November.

"That's an emotional issue and the citizens are just going to have to choose," said Mayor Lynn Long.

Georgia now is among just three states that ban Sunday alcohol sales in stores.

The citywide vote is made possible by a law passed by the state legislature earlier this year.

Northwest Georgia House members, who often vote together on issues, split on the bill - four in support and four against.

Lawmakers from Whitfield and Catoosa County said the border counties are losing money to Tennessee because residents can drive a few miles north to buy beer on Sundays.

In Tennessee grocery stores sell beer on Sunday, but wine and liquor are sold only in liquor stores, which are closed on Sunday. In Georgia, beer and wine are sold in grocery stores.

The alcohol vote will join two council races and the mayor's race on the ballot in Fort Oglethorpe in November.

Read tomorrow's Times Free Press for more coverage.