General Assembly Considers Eliminating Minibottles Yet Again

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- For the fourth year in a row, the South Carolina General Assembly will consider lifting the requirement that restaurants and bars pour their mixed drinks from minibottles.

Similar bills have made appearances in the state House or Senate every year since 2000. In 2003, a bill passed the House near the end of the session, but failed to pass in the Senate before lawmakers went home for the year.

The minibottle law has been blamed for making mixed drinks too expensive and too potent, since the average mixed drink made with a minibottle contains more alcohol than most free-pour drinks. Minibottle supporters say the bottles are more easily taxed, and consumers know exactly how much alcohol is going in their drinks.

South Carolina is the only state that requires minibottle use.

Christy Cox, House speaker chief of staff, said that the bill has a long way to go. She pointed out that changing the minibottle law will require a constitutional amendment. If the Senate passes the bill, the issue will be put before voters on a referendum in the November ballot.

Previous Stories:

• April 12, 2002: Big Battle Brews Over Minibottles
• January 26, 2001: Bill Would Eliminate Minibottles