Sunday beer sales going before voters

SUMMERVILLE — Dorchester County voters will decide if they want stores to sell beer and wine on Sundays.

County council approved an ordinance authorizing the Nov. 4 referendum in a quick special meeting Tuesday morning. There was no discussion before the 6-1 vote.

Even the lone councilman who voted against holding the referendum expects Sunday sales to pass.

"I still think Sunday should be a special day, and I've gotten overwhelming support for my position," Richard Rosebrock said after the meeting. "But I suppose this will pass whether I like it or not."

Council Chairman Larry Hargett said he doesn't favor Sunday beer sales but thinks voters should have a chance to decide the issue.

Some store owners in Dorchester County had been complaining about losing business to neighboring jurisdictions that allow Sunday beer sales, Hargett said. North Charleston and Summerville allow Sunday alcohol sales, as does Charleston County. In Berkeley County, Sunday sales are allowed only on Daniel Island and in Goose Creek.

If Dorchester County voters approve Sunday sales in the referendum, which is on a Tuesday, it's possible stores and restaurants could be selling beer and drinks by the following weekend. It depends on how quickly the S.C. Department of Revenue gets the certified results, which would allow businesses to get a license, Public Information Officer Adrienne Fairwell said.

In Summerville, for example, about 70 percent of voters approved Sunday sales in a Wednesday vote in May 2003. The Revenue Department got the certified results Friday afternoon, and at least one restaurant was selling drinks that Sunday.

Sean Bennett, public policy chairman for the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, predicted easy approval for the sales. The Chamber he said.

There was some discussion after Tuesday's meeting on whether Dorchester County's referendum would allow Sunday alcohol sales only in the unincorporated areas. Hargett checked with County Attorney John Frampton and said the referendum applies to the whole county, including Ridgeville, St. George and Harleyville.

The other South Carolina counties that allow Sunday alcohol sales are Beaufort, Georgetown, Horry, Lexington and Richland, according to the Department of Revenue.

Reach Dave Munday at 745-5862 or dmunday@post andcourier.com.