DENVER -- A bill that would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays is now on its way to the governor's desk.

The Colorado Senate on Thursday voted 25-9 to approve a bill that would allow Sunday liquor sales.

The Colorado House approved the bill earlier this week. If Gov. Bill Ritter signs the measure, it would take effect July 1.

Democratic Rep. Judy Solano of Brighton had said many people have busy schedules and would like to buy wine or beer on weekends.

She said other states that have adopted such measures have reported no problems.

The ban on Sunday liquor sales has been on the books in Colorado since prohibition. Most liquor store owners are in favor of the bill, saying it's convenient for their customers, and supporters said it could add about $6 million to the state's tax coffers.

The liquor store owners who weren't in favor of the bill said Sunday is their only rest day, but they can't keep up with the competition if they don't work seven days a week.

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

There have been previous attempts to change the state's blue laws, but they never passed because liquor store owners didn't support it.

There are now 34 states that allow liquor sales on Sunday, including a dozen that changed their laws in the past six years.