Florence Voters Approve Sunday Beer, Wine Sales

Voters helped Florence retailers level the sales field Tuesday, November 8th when they overwhelmingly approved a proposal allowing retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays.

With all precincts reporting, 71% of the 7,324 voters said yes to Sunday beer and wine sales for off-premises consumption. No votes accounted for 29%.

Retailers who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption will be able to seek a permit to add Sunday sales.

The Florence City Council approved an ordinance earlier this year to put the beer-and-wine sales referendum on the November ballot.

Several nearby cities – Darlington and Lake City – already allow retailers to sell beer and wine on Sundays, which meant Florence retailers often lost revenue to retailers in those cities on Sundays. People would go to Lake City and Darlington retailers to purchase beer or wine on Sundays. However, they often would purchase food and other items while shopping.

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