Matt Brightwell is tired but elated that the
minibottle issue is about over. He spent eight years lobbying
legislators in hallways and at meetings to get rid of the 1.7 ounce
bottles.
"I changed one legislator's vote in the elevator," said Brightwell,
owner of Tam's Tavern on Oakland Avenue. "He had just voted no, and by
the time we got to the bottom floor he was going to vote yes the next
time it came up."
In November, voters approved eliminating the state requirement that
bars and restaurants serve liquor only from minibottles.
Thursday, legislators approved a bill that eliminates the state
requirement and establishes new rules. Gov. Mark Sanford is expected to
sign the legislation.
"I'm emotionally drained but extremely excited," said Brightwell.
"I'm really happy."
South Carolina was the only state that required businesses to serve
liquor from minibottles.
As of Jan. 1, bars and restaurants can pour liquor out of any size
bottle, except a half-gallon bottle. Until then, bar and restaurant
owners will have to decide how to best meet the needs of their
customers.
"It will be a slow transition," said Tom Sponseller, president of the
Hospitality Association of South Carolina.
Challenges ahead
Bars and restaurants will have to change racks holding bottles and
train bartenders. Brightwell said keeping inventory will be more
challenging because minibottles are easy to count and free pour bottles
will have to be weighed.
Sponseller predicts chains will change right away while independent
businesses will take longer while they consider pricing and remodeling
costs.
"Some will never change," he said. "They like the little bottle."
Owners of The Station Bar and Grille plan to use a combination of
bottle sizes, said Debbie Coccia, co-owner.
"We'll use the minibottles for specialty drinks," she said. "It's not
going to require that much of a change for us."
She was hoping the Legislature would allow their wholesaler to
deliver the liquor, she said. Instead, lawmakers limited delivery to
retailers. Currently, bar and restaurant owners order liquor in advance
and pick it up themselves.
Two retailers in Rock Hill said it is too early to tell if they'll
start delivering. The service may require hiring employees and charging
for delivery, they said.
"I don't know what anybody is going to do," said Willard Estridge of
Estridge's Liquor Stores, who supplies about 100 bars and restaurants in
York County. "I don't think it will impact me."
As many as 90 percent of his customers say they'll continue to use
minibottles, Estridge said.
Standard alcohol content
Not so for T-Bones on the Lake, which will switch completely to free
pour as minibottle supplies dwindle, said partner David Mathein.
The Jan. 1 date gives them time to make changes, he said. Bartenders
will train at their locations in Charlotte, and they'll add lighted
racks for bottles.
Mathein is glad free pour was approved because it's easier on
customers.
"I think it should be the same in every state," he said. "If you're
consuming, you need to know the amount."
That was part of Brightwell's argument against the minibottle.
He started his campaign because it was hard to make a two-liquor
drink at a reasonable price, he said. The issue became larger when
recycling became popular and the minibottle couldn't be sent to
recycling centers.
Later, the legal blood alcohol limit was lowered to .08.
"It became immoral for the state, on one hand, to encourage people to
drink responsibly and, on the other hand, the Constitution says you've
got to serve the strongest drink possible," he said.
Brightwell is pleased the bill requires a committee to review next
fall how the legislation is working and if revenues are meeting
expectations.
He was most frustrated that he wasn't able to get some local
lawmakers to eliminate the minibottle, he said.
State Rep. Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, said it came down to revenues
for him.
"The minibottle was a proven revenue source," said Simrill, adding
there's a chance free pour won't produce the same amount in taxes. "It's
been revenue all along."
Sula Pettibon • 329-4033
spettibon@heraldonline.com
