Colorado OKs Sunday liquor sales

DENVER, April 16 (UPI) -- Colorado residents will soon be able to buy liquor legally on Sundays.

Gov. Bill Ritter signed legislation Monday that reversed a 75-year-old law banning Sunday sales, The Rocky Mountain News reported. The bill takes effect July 1.

"The ban on Sunday sales was an antiquated law that long ago outlived

its usefulness or relevance," Ritter said in a statement.

Liquor stores can still close on Sundays if they wish. Their Colorado trade association had opposed allowing Sunday sales but reversed its position to thwart a bill that would have allowed delis and grocery stores to offer full-strength beer and wine.

Those stores, which opposed Sunday sales, are now calling for a law allowing them to sell beer. They are limited now to "near beer" that contains no more than 3.2 percent alcohol.

Once the Colorado law takes effect, Sunday sales will be legal in 35 states.