WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - Metro council members approved an ordinance Wednesday night allowing bars to stay open from 11 a.m. until midnight on Sundays.

The ordinance passed 8-3, with council members Ronnie Edwards, Tara Wicker and Mike Walker voting against it.

Council members Trae Welch, Ulysses Addison, Chandler Loupe, Scott Wilson, C. Denise Marcelle, Joel Boé, Alison Gary and Rodney Bourgeois voted for it.

Council member Donna Collins-Lewis wasn't present for the vote.

Those opposed to the change raised concerns about an increase in crime or violence if the ordinance passed.

Those in favor focused on the economic aspect.

"This city is thriving 6 days a week and then on Sunday it looks like it's shut down. You walk down Third Street and it looks like there's no life, and it's the governments fault, and I think that it's time to change that," said local food blogger Jay Ducote.

The approved ordinance also lets grocery stores and liquor stores sell alcohol without restriction on Sundays.

It will go into effect once the mayor signs it, or after 12 days.