Florence, Sc: Sunday Beer Buying Options

Beer lovers in Florence, South Carolina, can now rejoice! As of November 2022, Florence residents can purchase beer and wine on Sundays, thanks to a referendum that allows retailers to obtain permits for off-premises consumption. This decision was made to keep up with neighbouring cities and to boost the local economy. While South Carolina has strict laws regarding alcohol sales, with Sunday sales banned statewide, some counties and cities have been granted exceptions through referendums. So, if you're in Florence and craving a cold one on a Sunday, you're in luck!

Beer can be bought in grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday

In November 2024, Florence residents voted to allow retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine on Sundays. This was a significant decision for the city, as previously, Florence retailers had lost revenue to nearby cities such as Darlington and Lake City, which allowed Sunday sales. Now, retailers who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption can seek a permit to add Sunday sales. This change will help to level the playing field for Florence businesses and is expected to bring in new businesses and more money for the city.

While beer and wine can be bought in grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday, liquor stores are only permitted to sell to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, liquor can only be purchased at licensed liquor stores throughout the state.

In South Carolina, the three-tier distribution system regulates the alcohol industry, creating clear distinctions between manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Alcohol licenses are issued to retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers/importers. Beer and wine are covered under one licensing umbrella, while liquor has a separate organization.

Liquor stores are permitted to sell alcohol from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday

In South Carolina, liquor stores are permitted to sell alcohol from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. This includes the city of Florence, where voters recently approved a proposal to allow retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays. However, this does not mean that liquor stores in Florence are open on Sundays. The recent change simply means that retailers in Florence who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine can now seek an additional permit to sell these beverages on Sundays.

Liquor stores in South Carolina have specific operating hours and days, and these may vary from other establishments that sell alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and grocery or convenience stores. Liquor stores are part of the state's three-tier distribution system, which creates distinctions among manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. This system ensures that liquor stores have separate licensing and regulations from those governing the sale of beer and wine.

While liquor stores in South Carolina are typically closed on Sundays, there are some exceptions. Certain counties have passed referendums permitting on-premise and off-premise sales of alcohol on Sundays. Businesses in these counties can apply for a 7-day license, allowing them to sell alcohol every day of the week. However, this does not apply to liquor stores across the state, including those in Florence, which are still subject to the regular operating hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

It is important to note that the laws regarding alcohol sales in South Carolina can vary by county. While some counties have taken measures to allow Sunday sales, most of the state still prohibits the sale of alcohol at both on-premise and off-premise locations on Sundays. These regulations are subject to change, and it is always a good idea to check the specific laws in your area.

In some counties, beer and wine can be sold on Sundays

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

In November 2024, Florence voters approved a proposal to allow retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays. 7,324 voters participated, with 71% voting in favour of the proposal. This decision was made to help Florence retailers stay competitive with those in nearby cities, such as Darlington and Lake City, and to keep tax revenue within the city's borders.

In South Carolina, beer and wine can be sold in grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. Liquor stores are permitted to sell to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, beer and wine can be purchased at gas stations and grocery stores, but only at licensed liquor stores for liquor purchases.

Some counties in South Carolina have passed their own referendums permitting on-premise and off-premise sales of beer and wine on Sundays. Businesses in these counties can apply for a 7-day license. On-premise sales 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 same is true for restaurants and hotels serving liquor by the drink.

In Florence, SC, retailers can obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays

In the US, alcohol laws vary from state to state, and even within counties and cities. In South Carolina, it is generally prohibited to buy beer on Sundays, but some counties and cities have been granted permission through referendums.

In November 2024, Florence, SC, joined these counties and cities when voters approved a proposal allowing retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays. 71% of the 7,324 voters said yes to the proposal, with 29% voting no. This change in legislation was made to help Florence retailers stay competitive with those in nearby cities such as Darlington and Lake City, which already allowed Sunday sales.

Retailers who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption can now seek a permit to add Sunday sales. This means that in Florence, SC, you can now buy alcohol seven days a week from retailers who have obtained this permit.

However, it's important to note that this law only applies to beer and wine, not liquor. Liquor stores in South Carolina are only permitted to sell to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Additionally, on-premise locations like bars and restaurants are not permitted to sell beer on Sundays, though they can sell beer from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday.

Bars and restaurants can sell alcohol Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m

In the city of Florence, South Carolina, there are specific regulations in place that dictate when and where alcohol can be purchased. While the laws vary across the state, with some counties and cities having been granted permission to sell alcohol on Sundays, Florence generally follows the statewide rule of prohibiting Sunday sales.

Bars and restaurants in Florence are permitted to sell alcohol from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. On Saturdays, the sale of alcohol in these establishments is allowed from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., with a cut-off time of midnight. This means that during the week, patrons can enjoy alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants throughout the day and into the early morning hours. However, on Saturdays, they will need to be mindful of the earlier closing time.

These regulations specifically apply to on-premise locations, which include bars and restaurants. It's important to note that Florence's rules for on-premise locations are in line with the broader South Carolina laws, where alcohol sales at bars and restaurants are typically allowed until 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, and until midnight on Saturdays.

The restrictions on Sunday sales in Florence are not unique to the city, as South Carolina has statewide restrictions on alcohol sales on Sundays. However, some counties and cities have obtained permission through referendums to sell alcohol on Sundays, creating exceptions to the general rule.

While Florence voters recently approved a proposal to allow retailers to obtain permits for selling beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays, this does not change the regulations for bars and restaurants. This recent development is expected to boost the local economy by keeping revenue within the city and attracting new businesses.

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