Lawmakers deadlock over liquor hours, delay budget-setting

Here’s a link to my full story at spokesman.com on the deadlock in JFAC today over later hours at some state liquor stores. Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, dubbed the possible extension of some store hours from 7 to 9 p.m. “the gettin-in-trouble time,” and said, “Seven to 9 p.m. is not a normal time for buying liquor for responsible people. Responsible people usually do that right after they get off work or on Saturdays.” The dispute prompted the joint committee to delay setting a budget for the state’s Liquor Division until at least tomorrow.