(Columbia) Jan. 14, 2004 - House members Wednesday approved a bill that would allow bars and restaurants to use free-pour liquor rather than minibottles. The House gave the bill second reading on a 90--10 vote.

Changing the state's minibottle law would require a constitutional amendment. If the bill is approved by the Senate, the issue would go on the ballot for voters to decide in November.

Since the 1970's, the minibottle has been a familiar sight inside South Carolina bars and restaurants, and the little container is still at the center of a huge debate.

Minibottles hold about 1.7 ounces of liquor. 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.

WIS News 10 heard the mixed reactions when we talked to people in the Midlands. Randall Lincoln says he opposes the mini, "The way the minibottles are, you have to take the whole minibottle, it raises the price of the drink, so people aren't gonna go out and enjoy themselves as much."

Randy Parish has a different take, "I think the less that the government messes with our alcohol, the better off we are."

A separate bill passed in the House would allow bars and restaurants to sell free-pour drinks as well as minibottles. It would add a five percent cocktail tax on drinks.

Updated 9:33pm by BrettWitt with AP