COLUMBIA - A bill that proposes a liquor distribution method for free-pouring will be filed Tuesday.

State Rep. Bill Cotty, R-Columbia, would not say what his proposal is, but he wants what is "the most competitive as possible."

The November referendum to end the nation's last requirement for bars to use minibottles needs a law to implement the change. The hospitality industry wants something passed in time for the heavy tourism season.

After Election Day, the major distributors and the liquor stores that are licensed to sell to bars began squabbling over who should have distribution rights.

Bar owners want dealers to be able to deliver to them, as is done in most other states. Current law requires them to pick up their supplies from the 58 stores licensed to sell minibottles.

The four major distributors also want to be able to deliver, and the 58 retail license holders oppose that, fearing they will be cut out of the action by lower prices.

Cotty said earlier last week he was through waiting for the dealers to find a solution and would file his bill and let them fight it out in public. But he said Thursday he changed his mind and decided to put something on the table for discussion.

He said he will offer what he thinks is fair to the dealers and the bars and see where it goes. He also expects the bill to move quickly to a subcommittee.

He is shooting for passage in May, but he says there should be some time allowed for the dealers to sell down their inventory of minibottles.

Artist's Bridge

Horry County's House members had a resolution passed last week asking the Department of Transportation to name the bridge over White Oak Swamp on Adrian Highway the M.A. Artist McCracken Bridge.

The resolution said McCracken, who lived from 1914 to 1994, was a well-known member of the community. He resided in a house by the bridge for 26 years and locals called it "Artist's Bridge."

Now the name will be official.

Other bills

A House bill making amusement ride customers partly responsible for their own safety passed the House and was sent to the Senate. There, it was assigned to a committee.

A Senate bill establishing a Francis Marion Heritage Trail Commission passed and was sent to the House. The plan would include sites in Horry and Georgetown counties associated with the Revolutionary War hero who came to be known as the Swamp Fox.