Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe BOSTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Massachusetts lifted its ban on Sunday alcohol sales this weekend, discarding a centuries-old policy that originated with the Puritans. Starting at noon Sunday, liquor store owners from West Springfield to Plymouth were allowed to sell beer, wine and liquor, the Boston Globe reported, defying the wishes of the state's founders who hoped to enforce public morality and protect the sanctity of the Christian Sabbath. Advertisement While the statewide change took effect Sunday, liquor stores in Boston and some other cities and towns did not open because officials have yet to enact the change locally. Individual cities and towns may opt out of the law, through a vote of selectmen or other governing body. In Boston, the city's Licensing Board plans a meeting Thursday, though the board's chairman, Daniel F. Pokaski, said Saturday the meeting was simply to clarify the process. Most of the city's 200 or so liquor stores will probably be allowed to open on Sundays so as not to be at a competitive disadvantage with stores in surrounding towns, he told the Globe.
