Religion trumps business in debate over alcohol

BELVIDERE – Religious concerns trumped business interests in the debate over whether to allow unincorporated Boone County golf courses to start selling alcohol earlier on Sundays.

The Rockford Register Star reported that a 6-6 vote Wednesday by the Boone County Board means the courses won’t be allowed to begin selling alcoholic beverages at 6 a.m., rather than 11 a.m.

Board Vice Chairman Marshall Newhouse said Belvidere has been working to limit activities that take away from worship Sunday.