Officials have prepared an amendment to Forsyth County’s alcohol ordinance that will allow for Sunday sales if voters pass a March 6 referendum on the issue.

The first of two required public hearings for the code modification will take place at the county commission’s next meeting, set for 5 p.m. Thursday. The second hearing will be March 1.

County Attorney Ken Jarrard said the amendment has a provision stating it will take effect only if the referendum passes.

In that case, package sales of alcohol on Sundays would be allowed at stores in the county starting March 18.

That’s also contingent on the election results being certified at least two days prior, Jarrard said.

The hours of sale mirror the state statute, he said, between 12:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays.

The referendum is set for March 6, which is also the state’s presidential preference primary. Voters must be registered by Feb. 6 in order to cast a ballot.

County Commission Chairman Jim Boff is encouraging residents to voice their opinions.

"I think people should vote, and I think they should make up their own minds as to what it is they want," Boff said.

The city of Cumming will also hold a Sunday sales referendum on that date, as will neighboring Dawson and Hall counties.

The referendum was possible after Gov. Nathan Deal signed a bill last spring that allowed communities to put the issue before voters.

Voters in other nearby jurisdictions — including Dawsonville, Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Oakwood — approved Sunday package sales of alcohol Nov. 8.