Carthage adopts 9 a.m. Sunday liquor sales

CARTHAGE, Mo. (AP) - The city council in a southwest Missouri county seat has voted to allow retail sales of liquor on Sunday mornings.

Stores within the Carthage city limits are now permitted to sell liquor on Sundays beginning at 1 p.m. The City Council voted this week to change the time to 9 a.m.

The ordinance takes effect when it's signed by Carthage Mayor Mike Harris, who voted for the change to break a 5-5 tie.

The change was requested by Carthage liquor store owners who pointed out that retailers just outside the city already can open on Sunday mornings.

Several residents opposed the measure at this week's council meeting. Some said earlier liquor sales could endanger lives.

Carthage is located about 12 miles northeast of Joplin in Jasper County.