CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia would allow Sunday afternoon liquor sales under a proposal advancing during the legislative session's final week.

The House Judiciary Committee on Monday amended a bill addressing liquor store license fees, to permit sales after 1 p.m.

Wine and beer sales are already permitted during that time.

Gov. Joe Manchin introduced the bill, to allow stand-alone liquor stores to pay a special fee for their licenses as an alternative to the current bidding process.

The proposal is meant to help smaller businesses compete with the large chain stores that also sell liquor. It also adds measures to restrict underage access to where liquor is sold.

The Senate amended the bill last month to repeal the state's ban on Election Day liquor sales.

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