Bar hoppers can now enjoy their favorite Charleston taverns on Sundays, thanks to the passage of an ordinance by the City Council. Charleston bars will officially be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. beginning this Sunday.

The owners and managers of the Charleston bars are planning events and specials for the first Sunday of business and for the Sundays that follow.

Events that center around football, food and karoake are planned for Sunday specials.

Mike Knoop, the owner of Roc’s Blackfront, said that the kitchen will be open for the first Sunday.

“We’ll be serving the regular menu of burgers, steaks and ribs,” said Knoop.

He also mentioned that the lounge will be open for football fans, since the playoffs are beginning.

Stix manager Jeff Brice said that the televisions will be tuned in to football.

“We have a Superbowl party planned so far,” Brice said.

He also mentioned that Stix may have karoake on Sunday nights so that Charleston residents won’t have to go out of town.

“[The ordinance] was short notice, so we’re just going to see what kind of a crowd we get before anything more special is planned,” Brice said.

Lucas Ward said that Marty’s will be open for football games.

The passing of the ordinance is a positive thing for Charleston’s taverns, according to the owners. Brice and Knoop are optimistic about how business will be on Sundays.

“[The passage of the ordinance] is an opportunity for everyone to make money, and it’s an economic boost,” said Knoop.

Brice feels that being open on Sundays will be like a regular weekend.

“It won’t be like Friday or Saturday nights, but Sundays will go well,” said Brice.

Some Eastern students like the idea of going to Charleston bars on Sundays.

Angie Eilers, a senior marketing major, said that she would go to the bars on Sunday if that’s what her friends planned on doing.

Steve Ode, a senior biology major, said, “I’m an RA, so I have some responsibilities, but I plan on watching the Bears.”

Mike Sammit, a senior philosophy major, stated, “I plan on attending the church of alcohol on Sundays.”

Football appears to be a big reason for people to go to bars on Sundays. When asked if she would go to a bar on Sunday, Sharon King of Mattoon said, “Sure, if it was a sports bar and there was a good game on.”

Rob Farmer, the assistant manager of Shoebilee at the Cross County Mall in Mattoon, said that he’d go to see a football game.

Laurie McGinnis, who works in Customer Service at the First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust in Mattoon, said that if she lived in Charleston, she would go to the bars, especially for a special occasion.

“If we (my family and I) lived in Charleston, sure. But not unless there was anything specific going on,” McGinnis said.

Unfortunately, the owners of Mom’s and the Uptowner were unavailable for comment. The owner of the Uptowner refused an interview because he isn’t sure of how Sundays will go.

Don’t count Sunday out if you plan on going out in Charleston this weekend, especially if you’re a football fan.