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Aiken County Council adopts ordinance authorizing referendum on Sunday alcohol sales; amendment added for clarity
Summary
Council voted 8–1 to adopt an ordinance authorizing a referendum to allow temporary permits for Sunday on-premises alcohol sales to qualifying nonprofits and licensed businesses; an amendment was added to clarify language for voters.
Aiken County Council adopted an ordinance on third reading authorizing a referendum on whether the South Carolina Department of Revenue may issue temporary permits in Aiken County to allow the possession, sale and consumption of alcoholic liquors by the drink to bona fide nonprofit organizations and business establishments authorized for on-premises sales. The council approved the ordinance 8–1; Councilman Phil Napier voted in opposition.
County Attorney Brad Farrar told the council a minor title change—adding "Sunday Alcohol Sales" to the ordinance title—was made to clarify the measure’s purpose. Councilman Ron Felder successfully moved an amendment to add more detailed language intended to improve transparency for voters; that amendment passed unanimously after being seconded by Councilman Landon Ball. Councilman Ball made the main motion to adopt the ordinance on third reading, seconded by Councilman Danny Feagin. Citizen Vicki Simons told the council she feels voting is "a God given right" and urged letting the electorate decide.
The adopted ordinance authorizes placement of the referendum mechanism; the transcript does not specify a ballot date or implementation timeline.
