Union County Council votes 5–1 to put Sunday alcohol sales referendum on November ballot

The Union County Council voted 5–1 on June 18 to approve a third-reading ordinance that will place a countywide referendum on permitting Sunday alcohol sales on the November general-election ballot.

Chairman Phillip G. Russell II presided over the meeting and called for the third reading of the ordinance. Vice Chair David Sinclair said he had read that "6.6 billion dollars was spent last year on substance abuse and treatment by the government," and said he was concerned the council was focused mainly on potential revenue from Sunday sales rather than broader public-health implications. Councilmember Carolyn Rutherford asked whether the article referenced drugs or alcohol; Sinclair said the article did not distinguish. No other speakers asked questions before the council voted.

The ordinance passed on third and final reading 5–1. Councilmembers Danny Bright, John Glenn, Annie Smith, Carolyn Rutherford and John Flood voted in favor; Vice Chair David Sinclair voted against the ordinance. The council treated the vote as final action to place the question before voters; the ultimate decision will be made by the electorate in November.

Why it matters: A countywide change allowing Sunday alcohol sales would modify current local restrictions only if voters approve the referendum. Supporters have argued the change could generate more local revenue; opponents raised concerns about social and public-health costs. The council did not adopt implementing regulations at the meeting; the next step is the county preparing ballot language and administrative steps to place the referendum on the November ballot.