SC store owners split on Sunday liquor sales

State lawmakers in South Carolina are considering a bill that would impact alcohol sales.

House Bill 4001 would allow liquor stores to be able to open for business on Sunday afternoons, but voters in individual counties and cities would get the final say on whether that happens.

Current state law keeps liquor stores closed on Sundays. However, restaurants and bars can serve alcohol and stores can sell beer and wine if local laws allow it.

Businesses seem split on the issue.

“It would add another day of revenue. It’s going to add more sales tax for the state. It’s going to add a lot of benefits,” liquor store owner Bradley Newton said.

“It’s kind of a day off as far as the liquor business goes and being open for an extra day, only five hours, I think would be something that we have to see if it makes sense or not,” liquor store owner James Bigsby said.

The Sunday sales bill would be additional revenue for stores and more sales tax for the state. At the same time, some store owners would have more permitting fees and hikes in insurance.