During a hearing today before the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee’s General Laws Subcommittee, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) submitted testimony on H. 3013, a bill to allow the sale of distilled spirits on Sundays, and H. 3575, a bill to allow “curbside pickup” services for malt beverages and wine.
The testimony, submitted by DISCUS Senior Vice President of State Government Relations Jay Hibbard, highlighted the unequal treatment of spirits related to beer and wine in the marketplace. Beer and wine are already sold on Sundays, and the curbside proposal would make this option available to beer and wine only. Spirits consumers would be prohibited from both purchasing options in South Carolina.
“There is no reason that would justify this differential treatment, and any legislation adopted by policymakers should keep fairness and a level playing field at the forefront of its goals,” Hibbard stated in his written testimony on H. 3575. “Simply put, there is no scientific, public policy or public safety reason for excluding spirits from the proposed regulation.”
Hibbard also noted that since 2002, 21 states have passed laws permitting Sunday sales of distilled spirits, bringing the total to 43 states.
“Sunday is the second busiest shopping day of the week,” Hibbard stated in his written testimony on H. 3013. “Allowing the sale of spirits, beer and wine on Sunday gives adult consumers more choices and added convenience. The state of South Carolina would benefit from Sunday sales as well. This change would translate into significant new state revenues from distilled spirits as well as an increase in sales for retailers.”
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