COLUMBIA, S.C. - The House gave key approval Wednesday to a bill that would allow bars and restaurants to sell free-pour drinks as well as minibottles.

South Carolina is the only state that requires bars to use the 1.7-ounce bottles. While the bill does not do away with minibottles, it does allow alcoholic drinks to be made with free pour methods.

Minibottle supporters say the state would lose revenue if it switched to free pour.

"Now you've got a sure thing because they have to pay the tax on minibottles," said Rep. Herb Kirsch, D-Clover.

The bill adds a 5 percent cocktail tax on drinks to ensure no revenue is lost, said Rep. Bill Cotty, R-Columbia. In addition, drink prices would be more competitive and the alcohol content would be lower, which would cut down on related accidents and deaths, Cotty said.

A separate bill, which could be taken up Thursday, calls for a referendum in November 2004 on the issue. The change could not be implemented before July 2005.

The bills still must be approved by a two-thirds vote in the Senate. If it doesn't pass by the end of the session Thursday, it still could be brought up when the General Assembly reconvenes in January for the second part of the two-year session.