(Columbia-AP) Jan. 29, 2004 - Proponents of dumping the state's minibottle law may have to wait a little longer to get a referendum on the issue.

Senator Phil Leventis says he wants senators to decide how a change in the liquor law would be implemented before the issue even gets on the ballot for voters. He began filibustering the bill last week. If the bill, already passed by the House, is approved by the Senate, the issue would go on the ballot for voters to decide in November.

Leventis says the state would lose $3.5 million in tax collections if it gets rid of minibottles. He disputed the state Board of Economic Advisors report saying the change would generate money in tax collections. Leventis says the state's struggling economy makes this a bad time to change the law.

South Carolina is the only state requiring bars and restaurants to use the bottles, which contain 1.7 ounces of fluid. Legislators have tried for years to move to pouring drinks from big bottles.
Changing the state's minibottle law would require a constitutional amendment. The legislation doesn't outlaw minibottles. Restaurants and bars could continue using them if they chose to do so.

Those in favor of the minibottle say there is some virtue in knowing exactly how much liquor goes into each drink. They say that is not the case in "free pour" states, where the bartender decides the amount of alcohol that goes into each drink. Supporters of minis also say it makes for an easier way of collecting taxes on liquor.

Opponents say the minibottle poses a danger to tourists who are used to receiving a 1.25 ounce drink in their home states. Groups including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Hospitality Association of South Carolina want to change the state's law to allow free pour.

updated 8:03am by BrettWitt