Buying Beer In Florence, Sc: Sunday Shopping Laws

Beer lovers in Florence, South Carolina, have had to contend with strict regulations on Sunday sales of their favourite beverage. While South Carolina is not a dry state, Sunday beer sales are banned statewide. However, in November 2022, Florence voters approved a measure to allow alcohol sales on Sundays, with 71% in favour. This change levels the playing field for Florence retailers, who previously lost revenue to nearby cities that allowed Sunday sales. Now, retailers in Florence can obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays, joining several other counties and cities in South Carolina with similar permissions.

Florence voters approved Sunday beer and wine sales in November 2022

In November 2022, Florence voters approved Sunday beer and wine sales. The measure passed with 71% of the vote, allowing retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays. This decision was made to help local retailers stay competitive with those in nearby cities, such as Darlington and Lake City, which already allowed Sunday sales. Previously, Florence residents would often purchase beer and wine from these nearby cities on Sundays, taking their business away from Florence retailers.

The approval of Sunday sales is expected to boost Florence's economy and help with industrial recruitment. It also aligns with the preferences of newer residents, who expect to be able to purchase alcohol on Sundays.

However, it is important to note that South Carolina's alcohol laws can vary by county. While some counties have passed referendums to allow Sunday sales, most of the state still prohibits alcohol sales at both on-premise and off-premise locations on Sundays. Additionally, there are laws restricting the purchase of beer or alcohol at specific times. For example, on-premise locations like restaurants and bars are allowed to sell beer from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, but not on Sundays unless permitted by the county. Off-premise locations, such as grocery stores, can sell beer 24 hours a day, except on Sundays, unless allowed by referendum.

Sunday alcohol sales are banned statewide in South Carolina

The laws regarding alcohol sales differ from state to state in the US, and even within South Carolina, the laws vary by county. While beer and wine can be sold on Sundays in some counties, liquor sales are more restricted. Liquor stores are only permitted to sell to customers from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. However, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday.

Some counties have passed their own referendums to allow on-premise and/or off-premise sales of alcohol on Sundays. Businesses in these counties can apply for a 7-day license to sell alcohol. On-premise sales of beer and wine are permitted from either 12 am to 2 am or 10 am to 11:59 pm, depending on local laws. The same is true for restaurants and hotels that serve liquor by the drink.

For those looking to purchase alcohol to consume off-site, local gas stations and grocery stores sell beer and wine. Liquor purchases, however, can only be made at licensed liquor stores throughout the state.

Some counties and cities have been granted Sunday sales permission through referendums

In South Carolina, Sunday beer sales are banned statewide. However, some counties and cities have been granted permission to sell beer on Sundays through referendums.

In November 2022, Florence voters approved a measure to allow alcohol sales on Sundays. This applied specifically to businesses within the City of Florence that already sell beer and wine six days a week. The measure passed with 71% of the vote. This decision was made to help Florence retailers remain competitive with those in nearby cities like Darlington and Lake City, which already allowed Sunday sales.

Florence is not the only city in South Carolina to have passed such a referendum. Other cities and counties that allow beer and wine sales on Sundays include Columbia and Richland County.

The laws regarding alcohol sales vary across South Carolina. For example, while bars and restaurants are generally permitted to sell alcohol until 2 a.m., there was a period during the COVID-19 pandemic when an executive order prohibited alcohol sales after 11 p.m. at these establishments. Additionally, while liquor stores are only permitted to sell to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine 24 hours a day during the week.

Alcohol can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday

Alcohol laws in South Carolina vary from county to county and city to city. In general, you can buy beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday. However, in some counties and cities, including Florence, Sunday sales are now permitted.

In November 2022, Florence voters approved a proposal to allow retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays. The vote was 71% in favour and 29% against. This change in the law means that retailers in Florence who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine during the week can now seek a permit to add Sunday sales.

Florence is not the first city in South Carolina to allow Sunday sales of alcohol. Nearby cities such as Darlington and Lake City already permitted Sunday sales, which meant that retailers in Florence were losing revenue to their competitors in those cities.

While grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday, and now on Sundays in some counties, there are different laws for other types of establishments. On-premise locations, including restaurants and bars, can sell beer from 10 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays unless permitted by a referendum. Liquor stores are permitted to sell alcohol from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays.

Liquor stores are closed on Sundays

In South Carolina, liquor stores are permitted to sell alcohol to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This means that liquor stores are closed on Sundays, unless permitted by local governance. While liquor stores are closed, grocery or convenience stores can sell beer or wine 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday.

Some counties in South Carolina have passed their own referendums to permit on-premise and/or off-premise sales on Sundays. Businesses in these counties can apply for a 7-day license. On-premise sales of beer and wine in these counties are allowed from either 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws.

The sale of alcohol in South Carolina is regulated by the three-tier distribution system, which creates clear distinctions between manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Alcohol licenses are issued to retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers/importers. Beer and wine are covered by one set of regulations, while liquor has a separate organisation.

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