Mississippi could soon join the growing list of states allowing Sunday liquor sales after the House narrowly passed legislation on Feb. 11. The bill, authored by Rep. Brent Powell, would permit stores in wet areas to sell alcohol between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays, though counties and municipalities would need to authorize the change through local ordinances.

Stores would not be required to sell liquor on Sundays even if local governments approve the policy. The legislation passed with exactly 61 votes in the Mississippi House, marking a significant turnaround for a bill that failed in committee three consecutive years. The city of Jackson, already designated as a wet area for alcoholic beverages, could be among the first to implement the change if the bill becomes law.

The bill now faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where its companion legislation sponsored by Sen. Jeremy England died in committee on Feb. 3. Local representatives from the Jackson area were split on the measure, with five voting for it, three against, and two not voting. The outcome in the Senate will determine whether Mississippi retailers can finally tap into what many consider a lost day of sales.