South Carolina Bill Could Allow Sunday Liquor Sales, If Voters Approve

Proposed legislation would give local communities the power to decide on Sunday liquor sales through a referendum.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a small-town liquor store, its windows glowing with warm light and casting deep shadows on the sidewalk, capturing the quiet contemplation of a community's decision on Sunday sales.A proposed bill could give South Carolina communities the power to decide whether to allow Sunday liquor sales, a long-standing tradition in the state.Charleston Today

A new bill in the South Carolina legislature would allow individual counties to decide whether to permit Sunday liquor sales, if approved by local voters. The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Mark Smith, would not mandate statewide Sunday sales, but rather give communities the option to hold a referendum on the issue. Some business owners see potential benefits, especially in tourist-heavy areas, but also note the need to carefully consider the economic costs of opening on Sundays.

Why it matters

For generations, South Carolina has enforced a statewide ban on Sunday liquor sales, with limited exceptions. This bill represents a shift in the state's approach, empowering local communities to make their own decisions on this long-standing tradition based on the unique needs and preferences of their residents and businesses.

The details

House Bill 4001 would allow counties in South Carolina to hold a referendum on whether to permit liquor stores to open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. If approved at the local level, stores would need to purchase a $3,000 permit and cover additional operating costs. Some business owners see potential benefits, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Charleston, but note that the decision ultimately comes down to economic viability and community support.

  • The bill is currently sitting in the House Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers will decide whether it moves forward.
  • If the bill passes the legislature and is signed into law, counties could either approve Sunday sales through an ordinance or put the question directly to voters.

The players

Mark Smith

The state representative who sponsored House Bill 4001.

Ishita Chauhan and Vidit Desai

Local liquor store owners who say the decision to open on Sundays depends on careful consideration of the costs and potential profits.

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What they’re saying

“What this bill does not do is authorize Sunday liquor sales. What this bill does do is allow every county to put it on a referendum to decide if Sunday liquor sales is right, appropriate or fitting for that county.”

— Mark Smith, State Representative

“We have to make sure that all the cost—does it make sense to get it open on Sunday. At the end of the day, it all matters—the profit.”

— Ishita Chauhan and Vidit Desai, Local liquor store owners

“I think it potentially has impact if you open on Sundays because Charleston is a beautiful tourist city. More people will come.”

— Ishita Chauhan and Vidit Desai, Local liquor store owners

What’s next

If the bill passes the legislature and is signed into law, counties could either approve Sunday sales through an ordinance or put the question directly to voters.

The takeaway

This bill represents a shift in South Carolina's approach to Sunday liquor sales, empowering local communities to make their own decisions on this long-standing tradition based on the unique needs and preferences of their residents and businesses. The outcome could have significant impacts, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Charleston.