Bill seeks to overturn ban on Illinois Sunday car sales

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There is a new push to allow Sunday car sales in Illinois, which have been banned since 1983.

State Senator Jim Oberweis has introduced a bill to overturn that ban.

Wheels of Chicago General Manager Al Johnson said that if Illinois dealerships could remain open on Sunday he would be thrilled.

"We do lose a lot of business because people don't have time these days," Johnson said. "They're busy with kids, they're busy going shopping, doing home chores."

Oberweis wants to peel back the prohibition of Sunday car sales and give owners the choice to close on Sunday or any other day due to religious worship. Oberweis made the proposal once before and hopes to gain more traction this year.

Not everyone is so excited to throw open their doors after all these years. Oberweis says he was surprised at the resistance he has found from none other than dealership owners.

"They're fighting the repeal of that bill. In my opinion government has no business telling people when they can or when they can't sell cars," Oberweis said.

At AutoMatch USA in suburban Morton Grove, the biggest concern is employees.

"Our business is a draining business as it is," AutoMatch Senior Vice President John Gavin said. "A lot of hours and one more day of that grind would be rough on our people."

Thirty-four states already allow Sunday sales. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission supported Oberweis' push.

A Senate committee will review both bills and then the public will weigh in, which is exactly what Oberweis wants consumers to do.