Aiken County Residents to Vote on Sunday Alcohol Sales in November Referendum

Aiken County Council approved an ordinance on April 14. Voters will decide if Sunday alcohol sales should become legal in unincorporated areas. The 8-1 vote authorized a referendum during the Nov. 3 general election.

Phil Napier cast the lone dissenting vote. He represents District 6 and voted against all three readings.

According to the Aiken Standard, Ron Felder changed his position. He represents District 1, voted no on the first two readings, then switched to yes on the third.

Council members raised concerns about how the ballot question reads. Sunday sales aren't mentioned directly in the text.

The ballot will ask: "Shall the South Carolina Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in Aiken County for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors by the drink to bona fide nonprofit organizations and business establishments otherwise authorized to be licensed for consumption-on-premises sales?"

County Attorney Brad Farrar told council members they couldn't alter the language. State law requires this specific wording.

Council members did make changes to the explanation appearing below the question. Statements at the start and end will reference Sunday sales of beer, wine, and liquor. The ordinance's title now includes the words "Sunday Alcohol Sales and Consumption" at the beginning and end.

Only voters who live in non-municipal portions can cast ballots on this measure. Residents of incorporated areas won't participate.