LOCAL REACTION

COLUMBIA - A measure that would allow bars and restaurants to sell free-pour drinks as well as minibottles may have to wait until next year to gain legislative approval.

South Carolina is the only state that requires bars to use the 1.7-ounce bottles.

A bill ending the minibottle requirement passed the state House 94-10 on Wednesday. But the Senate has yet to act on the measure, and today is the last day of this half of the session.

In addition, the House still needs to take up a separate bill that calls for a referendum in November 2004 on the issue. The change could not be implemented before July 2005.

That bill, too, hasn't been taken up by the Senate.

Both measures, however, could be brought up when the General Assembly reconvenes in January for the second part of the two-year session.

Some see the issue as being set up for quick passage next year.

"We're going to maxibottles," said state Rep. Tom Keegan, R-Surfside Beach.

The House passed on the second of three readings a bill that sets out how the minibottle change will be made. It allows bars to use minibottles or free-pouring or both if they wish. Third reading is a formality and will come today.

Supporters had hoped the House would also pass the bill calling for a referendum on the change. That will probably come today as well.

"What a historic day," said Rep. Bill Cotty, R-Columbia, sponsor of the House bills. Cotty said he isn't concerned now about passage of the measures even if it takes until next year.

"That vote was the hallmark of an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly that wants to pass it," Cotty said.

Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach, said he was pleased one bill passed but disappointed the other one can't make it this year.

"We've got half a loaf," he said.

The bills in the House and Senate are essentially the same.

Sen. Wes Hayes, R-Rock Hill, said he has the votes to pass both of them, but the Senate was unable to get to them on the agenda Wednesday because of a daylong squabble over a college funding bill.

"We're in great position to pass it out if not this week, early next year," Hayes said. "This is certainly the greatest progress we've made on this issue."

Hayes is a sponsor of the Senate bills, as is Sen. Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach. Elliott agreed the bills will pass the Senate when members get to them.

Some supporters said they worry that opponents will muster forces over the summer and try in January to defeat or delay the bills so the question will not be on the November 2004 ballot.

Cotty said that's not likely because "they have read the writing on the wall."

Hayes said some might try to hold up the bills in January, but opponents will not be successful in delaying the referendum.