FLOWERY BRANCH — Liquor stores didn't have to wait long to ring up sales Sunday.

Customers, taking advantage of first-time Sunday package sales of beer and distilled spirits, lined up before doors opened at 12:30 p.m.

"This is best thing revenue-wise they've ever done," said Lawrence Morris of Flowery Branch, holding a paper bag of merchandise just bought from Hometown Spirits, 4856 Hog Mountain Road.

"We've been waiting on this a long time."

John Choi, manager at Village Spirits Package Store, 5462 McEver Road, said he had planned to stay open until 6 p.m. Sunday, to see how sales go at first, even though Flowery Branch stores are allowed to stay open until 11:30 p.m.

He said he may decide to open longer at a later time, as more and more people get used to the new law and start buying on Sundays.

Choi said he expects longer hours during the summer.

Flowery Branch is among a batch of Georgia cities allowing Sunday sales for the first time.

Earlier this year, the state legislature allowed cities and counties to put on ballots a referendum on whether voters wanted package alcohol sales on Sundays.

In the Nov. 8 election, Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Oakwood voters approved Sunday sales.

Flowery Branch already had an ordinance in place allowing sales to start as soon as possible after the election. City Clerk Marja Burney gave the go-ahead last week after saying the city was able to verify the Georgia Secretary of State's Office had received the results.

"We're excited about it," said Sandy Merickle, Hometown Spirits' store manager. "It's a really good time, too, because of the holidays. In January, it might slow down a little bit, but I still think (Sunday sales) is going to help us."

One of her early customers, Lee Alexander, said he believed Sunday sales were overdue.

"I think it's ridiculous for it not to have been sold," he said. "They sell the stuff all the other time, right? So, why pick one day (not to sell it)?"

Alexander also said he didn't understand organized opposition to alcohol sales.

"If you're an adult, if you choose to drink, that's your business," he said.

Sunday sales referendums were held across the state Nov. 8, with little organized support or opposition to the issue, unlike past alcohol votes.

Gainesville has set its first day of sales for Dec. 11, with the Gainesville City Council likely to give its final OK on Dec. 6.

Oakwood City Council is set to meet Dec. 12 to consider an ordinance setting an effective date.

Hall County voters will decide March 6 on whether to allow package sales and liquor by the drink on Sundays.