The idea that the retail selling of alcohol on a Sunday could increase alcohol consumption is a non-issue for some residents.

Public reaction to the latest bill approved in the Senate was largely positive yesterday, as The Royal Gazette took to the streets of Hamilton.

“I think we need to stop being so ... It’s called antidisestablishmentarianism,” said 30-year-old Alicia Wanklyn, using what is reputed to be the longest non-technical word in the English language to suggest residents oppose a separation of church and state. Ms Wanklyn said the decision would not affect her consumption levels, adding: “We need to start thinking about what’s good for the country economically, versus what’s good for people spiritually, and not trying to run people’s lives based on the church.”

A visitor to the Island, Ross Andrews, said selling alcohol on Sundays was “a minor issue.”

“It doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s bringing Bermuda into the modern world,” said the 40-year-old. “I doubt not being able to buy alcohol on a Sunday was limiting on people’s alcohol consumption, they just had to go outside and pay more for it, or buy it on a Saturday.”

Siblings Kyle and Kayla Christopher, both students, thought the move would have little effect on alcohol consumption, saying: “It doesn’t really change anything”.

“People would have had it anyway,” said 19-year-old Kayla. “They prepare for the fact that alcohol won’t be sold on a Sunday.”

Her brother Kyle, 17 added: “Exactly. I guess it’s a religious thing.”

Malika Musson said she saw nothing wrong with the move, but objected to alcohol becoming available at 8am. “I don’t have a problem with selling booze on a Sunday,” said the 36-year-old saleswoman. “I do have a problem with how early on a Sunday. I have a problem with selling alcohol at 8am. I don’t think it will affect consumption levels. It’s the same way they didn’t want the grocery stores to open on Sundays. I don’t think grocery stores experience any more or less on a Sunday as far as people shopping. It’s the 21st Century.”

Student Chris Conyers, 27, said: “I love it. That sounds wonderful. I’ll go to bars less on Sunday. It’s most definitely safer to be drinking at home than at a bar, and it’s safer for my wallet.”

Meanwhile, one resident flatly opposed the idea.

“As long as I’ve been alive, there’s never been alcohol sold on Sundays,” said 52-year-old phlebotomist, Andre Joseph. “Some people say go with the times and change, but some things don’t need to change. Some things need to stay like it is. It won’t affect my consumption, personally. A lot of people will now not go to the store on Friday and Saturday to buy liquor because they know they can go there on a Sunday and get it.”