It's annoying that S.C. Senate President Glenn McConnell on Thursday diverted to the Finance Committee the bill to allow drinking establishments to pour drinks from big bottles. That means the full Senate won't vote on the bill until Wednesday, maybe later.

McConnell said he wants the committee to review the provision establishing a 5 percent tax on cocktails - even though the tax already has had thorough review by another committee and the S.C. Department of Revenue. The revenue would replace the per-bottle tax on the minibottles that most bars no longer would use.

What difference does six more days make? Plenty, considering that each delay weakens chances the so-called free-pouring law will take effect in time for this year's tourism season - little more than a month away. The House still needs to act on this issue.

The hope must be that the Senate passes the bill next week, and that the House expedites passage, so Gov. Mark Sanford can sign it into law. Haste is not only a matter of economic benefit to the state's tourism venues but also of enhancing public safety by downsizing minibottle-size liquor jolts for people who can't handle them.