By Maggie Downs
Enquirer staff writer

BELLEVUE - Captain Morgan, Jack Daniel and Jim Beam were among the first people through the Party Source checkouts on Sunday.

Wendy Pickering of Hyde Park selects a Tequila for a neighbors' party. She said she was relieved to see that The Party Source would be selling liquor and wine on Sundays. (Enquirer photo/SARAH CONARD)

A crowd of about 50, most dressed either in Bengals gear or their church best, were the first shoppers to take advantage of Sunday liquor sales at the alcohol mega-store.

Last week the Bellevue City Council voted unanimously to allow Sunday sales of packaged liquor and wine. The riverfront city was the first municipality to take advantage of a recent state appeals court ruling overturning a ban on Sunday liquor sales across the state.

Under the ruling, the Bellevue Kroger and One Stop Liquors can also have Sunday sales.

Party Source had a small celebration with a ribbon-cutting at noon, a live broadcast by radio station WEBN 102.7-FM and some whopping deals.

"Sunday sales have been a goal of most of us (retailers) for decades," said Ken Lewis, Party Source owner. "We know it's important day for us and an important day for consumers."

The store has been open on Sundays since 1997, selling beer, food and party supplies. However, large curtains used to shroud the liquor.

"I've seen the customers walk away after we have to tell them, 'Well, you can buy this but you can't buy this on Sundays,'" said Jon Stiles, general manager. "This is much more consistent. This is what people want."

Nate Zimmerman, 23, of Norwood, stopped by to get a keg of Killians Irish Red Beer and other supplies for a Bengals game-day party.

"I'm glad they're doing this," he said. "It's much more convenient."

It was helpful for Rick Townsend, 33, of Highland Heights, who stopped by to pick up Bud Light and Captain Morgan rum for his end-of-summer pool party.

"I don't think there should be a celebration," he said, motioning to the balloons at the Party Source entrance. "But I don't see a problem with Sunday sales either."

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E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com