Clarity sought on Sunday alcohol sales

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Under Greenville's blue laws, he can't.

That could change in the next few weeks.

The state Department of Revenue recently ruled businesses in cities and counties that have Sunday alcohol sales in bars and restaurants can file for permits for carryout beer and wine sales on Sunday, too.

In 1993, referendums were first held to allow Sunday sales but no one was aware the law could be translated that way, officials said.

A bill passed by the House and Senate at the end of this year's session and awaiting the governor's approval would clarify how referendums are performed from now on, but would likely not change what has been done before, said Danny Brazell, revenue department spokesman.

"This simply gives a little more clarification," Brazell said.

It is unknown when the bill will be signed by Gov. Mark Sanford, according to Sanford spokesmen.

"I think it would be a good thing," Cousins, 25, said. "I don't see any real problems."

In a 2000 referendum, Greenville city residents passed the Sunday alcohol measure. Like referendums in other South Carolina communities, it was not clear if beer and wine could be sold on Sunday in outlets such as convenience stores and grocery stores.

As of Friday, no Greenville businesses had filed for a permit, according to revenue department officials.

The revenue department's opinion comes after a May Sunday alcohol sales referendum in Summerville.

Mark Williams, Summerville's city manager, said the state's wording for a Sunday alcohol sale referendum is "fairly obtuse" and the city took it to mean the referendum meant all Sunday sales.

After several days of confusion, it was decided Summerville businesses along with ones in other counties and cities that allow Sunday sales could seek off-premise sales licenses.

Greenville City Attorney Ron McKinney said city officials have until June 30 to appeal the state's decision, but could not say if that will affect the Sunday sales.

"We are still looking at it, and everybody is sort of guessing at it," McKinney said.

Councilwomen Deb Sofield and Lillian Brock Flemming said they are inclined to be against the added sales, but said they want to hear more.

Council members Chandra Dillard and Garry Coulter said they were waiting to hear from the city attorney before making a decision.

Councilwoman Diane Smock said she couldn't talk about the Sunday sales because council hasn't discussed it.

"I can see there are different points of view on this that we really need to weigh," Smock said. "But in lean economic times, this gives us the opportunity for some much needed funds."

In Greenville, a 52-week permit costs $3,000 a year while one-week permits cost $150 each, said Jonathan Simons, city budget administrator. In 2001-02, the permits generated $276,364 for the city.

With 347 Sunday alcohol licenses issued in 2001-02, Greenville ranked fifth in the state with 7.46 percent of permits issued, according to a computer assisted analysis by The Greenville News. Horry County was first with 37.82 percent.

In comparison, Greenville made up 7.5 percent of the total permits issued statewide, which was the fourth most in the state, according to the analysis. Horry was first again with 17.09 percent of the total.

Alcohol permits contribute about $43 million into the state budget each year, according to state records. About $5 million more goes into the local economies that have Sunday sales.

Money from the permit sales can only be used for capital improvement projects that are tourism related, said City Manager Randy Oliver.

Last fall, council used permit money to help fund renovations at Sirrine Stadium as well as the Palmetto Expo Center and the Greenville History Museum.

John Boyanoski covers the city of Greenville. He can be reached at 298-4065.