Though supported by just as many people who opposed the notion, Sunday sales of package alcohol in the city of Portal will remain prohibited.

In an election held earlier this month, a vote to decide the issue ended in a deadlock. A 70-70 tie left the fate of the ballot measure in question for more than a week.

Wednesday, Portal City Clerk Mike Arrieta announced the verdict.

"I had to call our liaison with the Georgia Secretary of State. They recently got back to me," he said. "According to the Attorney General's Office: being that it was a yes-no question, but tied, it still did not pass."

The vote marks the second time Sunday sales have been denied by Portal voters.

In 2011, when Sunday sales were first on the ballot - in Portal and several other cities around Georgia - the measure was defeated by six votes.

If voters decide to consider the prospect again, they will have to wait another two years, Arrieta said, when the city holds its next scheduled election.

Currently, two convenience stores within the city limits sell beer and wine.

Register and Brooklet also do not allow Sunday sales of package alcohol. Brooklet voters rejected the measure in 2011, and Register voters denied it by a 16-10 count on Nov. 5.

Voters in the city of Statesboro and unincorporated Bulloch County approved Sunday sales in 2011.

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.