The state Senate yesterday toasted the passage of a number of House bills related to the sale of alcohol in cities, gourmet shops and restaurants throughout the state.

The legislation includes a measure to let ABC stores sell liquor on Sundays in Richmond and a handful of other cities.

Current law allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays by ABC stores in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and localities in Northern Virginia.

House Bill 908, sponsored by Del. Thomas D. Gear, RHampton, would allow sales in Hampton, Portsmouth, Newport News, Chesapeake and Richmond.

The bill tapped some fiery oratory and opposition from Sen. John Watkins, R-Powhatan, who said the state should not be a "vestibule of sin" and should get out of the liquor business.

"Why don't we do what we really ought to do -- and get rid of it, get out of this mess," said Watkins, who favors the private ownership of liquor stores, which are regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control board.

"We have no business as a state being in the business of promoting and selling distilled spirits," Watkins added.

Perhaps because of Watkins' comments, a bill that had been expected to pass easily won approval by a vote of 22-17. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine now has seven days to sign the bill for it to become law.

Other alcohol-related bills passed without spirited discussion.

Among them: