A perennial push to allow Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota is picking up more momentum than past years, clearing a key Senate panel on Wednesday.

The Senate Commerce committee voted 8-7 to move the bill forward, with scattered support from both parties. It marks the first time in recent history the Sunday sales legislation has advanced beyond that committee in the Senate. A similar bill awaits a hearing in the House.

Minnesota is one of 14 states that bar selling liquor and wine on Sundays under a law that has been on the books since at least 1858.

"My motivation is freedom in the marketplace," said sponsor Sen. Roger Reinert, DFL-Duluth. "This bill would allow businesses the option to be open on Sundays. It does not require anyone to do so."

A coalition of liquor stores vehemently opposes the effort, arguing competition will force them to stay open another day without netting significant extra revenue.

They are represented at the Capitol by the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, a powerful liquor lobby that has quashed passed efforts to allow Sunday sales.

"We can smell a rat," said Rick Anderson, owner of France 44 liquor store in Linden Hills. "And the rat is there is no money here. This is not going to be a winner for us."