Richmond Hill voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum on Tuesday that will allow restaurants within the city limits to serve alcohol on Sundays.

Overall, 774 voters turned out to make their voices heard, with 535 votes in favor of the referendum and 239 against it.

The turnout was higher than officials had expected for a special election.

Said Bryan County Elections Superintendent Sam Davis, "We didn’t expect this kind of turnout, but then it was a hot button issue that created a lot of strong emotions on both sides."

He added that that while the unexpected turnout had sometimes resulted in long lines, the election process itself ran smoothly.

"We didn’t have any problems," he said. "I think City Council will be pleased to see such a high turnout."

As voters exited the polls Tuesday evening, reactions to the issue of Sunday liquor by the drink sales were mixed.

Many voters, including Richmond Hill resident Caroline Leton, were in favor of lifting the ban on Sunday alcohol sales in order to boost business and encourage residents to spend their cash locally.