DENVER -- The ban on Sunday liquor sales has been on the books in Colorado since prohibition.

A proposal to end that ban took another step forward Wednesday when the House Finance Committee approved the measure 9-1 and forwarded it to the Appropriations Committee.

Still, proponents are taking no chances. They held a news conference to tout the measure Wednesday, which they say will add about $6-million to the state's tax coffers, and will make life more convenient for shoppers.

"Times have changed," said Sen. Jennifer Veiga. "We have two-income families. And Sunday is the second busiest shopping day. So consumers are demanding to see a change."

Many store owners, like Jeanne McEvoy, support the measure.

"My customers are requesting it," McEvoy said. Her store (Aspen Leaf Liquors) sits along highway 34 in Loveland.

McEvoy said tourists stop at her store every Sunday on their way to or from Rocky Mountain National Park, only to find that the business is closed.

"I was working in the office last Sunday and counted 22 people who stopped and tried to shop at my store," McEvoy said.

"I support Sunday sales," she added.

But Tigist Tayachew does not. She and her husband own Capitol Liquor on East Colfax in Denver.

"We already work 15 or 16 hours a day, six days a week," said the Ethiopian immigrant.

Tayachew said they can't afford to hire extra help, so if their competitors decide to open on Sunday, they may have to as well, to maintain business.

"That's the only day we have to be with our kids, to spend time with them, and to watch them do their homework," Tayachew said.

"If we have to work seven days a week it would be hard on our family."

Sponsors note that if the bill passes, owners would be able to make their own decision on whether to operate on Sundays.

Rep. Cheri Jahn, D-Jefferson County, said the bill should make it through the house.

When asked if she was worried about the governor signing off on the bill, she responded, "No, he's been a big supporter of small business."

If the bill is approved and signed by the governor it would likely take effect July 1.