Blue laws could be relaxed in bigger counties

South Carolina's blue laws restricting the times when retail business can operate on Sundays could be repealed in all but the smallest counties if the House passes the conference version of the state budget today.

A proviso offered by Lexington Republican Rep. Ted Pitts drastically lowers for one year the threshold communities would have to meet in order to ignore the longstanding, restrictive regulations regarding Sunday retail sales. Under the blue laws, general merchandisers like department stores cannot do business before 1:30 p.m.

Right now, the blue laws can be ignored in communities that take in more than $900,000 a year in accommodations sales taxes. Under the Pitts proviso, the threshold at which businesses may ignore the regulations is lowered to $900.

"It was time something be done," said Pitts, who pointed out that businesses in Lexington County regularly lose money to businesses in neighboring Richland County, where blue laws are not in effect.

The proviso would not affect conscientious objectors -- those who don't work on Sundays because of religious beliefs, Pitts said.

Not everyone is on board with the proposed changes, however, and some already are looking to the governor for a veto.

"We are looking into this," said Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee. "Not everyone is of the mind this applies to the whole state."

The Senate approved the measure as part of the budget Wednesday.

Comments

[John Monarch]

Why not just repeal it completely? Opening on Sundays should be a choice by business owners, and could aid small counties with economic development.

[Doug Ross]

There is no valid reason for blue laws to exists particularly in light of the various exceptions and inconsistencies that exist in the current laws. You can buy beer in a restaurant on Sunday but not in a convenience store. How does that make any sense?

Actually, you can buy beer in a convenience store in Aiken County, say after 12:00 noon. I witnessed it. Also, Horry and Charleston. It comes down to the almighty dollar. I remember back in the day where you could buy a camera, but not film on a Sunday. Talk about ridiculous!

[John]

It's all day Sunday in Charleston County and the sections of Dorchester and Berkeley County near Charleston. Go to the early service at church, stop by the grocery store for a sixer, get happy...

[Gary]

I will beleive it when I see it.

[Jim Cavender]

We nee to pass the bill to change the blue laws. Take a look at all the other states who have already done so and weigh the positives and negatives and you will find less negatives than most people want you to think. Unfortunately, some working people do not have the same amount of off time the more affluent do and need the opportunity to purchase items when they need to do so.

Thanks

[margie]

It looks like to me, that there is still some of the"Old Boy" Tactics still in our Politics!!! This young man, Ted Pitts, must not have had any Christian upbringing, or he's strayed away from it and is out for what he can get from whomever for whatever he does for them. I personally would like to see the Blue Laws to be inforced ALDAY ON SUNDAY!! I know a lot of people disagree; but that's my feeling about it. When God made the world, what did He do? - He rested on the 7th Day - which most Christians try to do today. Why can't we all have a "Day of Rest"? Things are going too fast these days that noone hardly slows down to get a breath.If we got Back to the Bible, our world would be a much better place to live.

[Jennifer]

I hope they get rid of blue laws! Forcing people to following them when they have no religious affiliation is wrong. The era they were made is long gone and people don't always go to church or believe in religion these days. I don't go to church and I would love to be able to shop Sunday mornings when the stores are less crowded and when I don't have to work. Separation of church and state, remember that? If I want to buy a b-day card or a power supply for my computer I should be able to and not have to go to Richland County to do it. People who don't want to work on Sundays, theres plenty that are willing to fill your spot.

[Michael Reed]

Blue Laws: "legislation regulating public and private conduct, especially laws relating to Sabbath observance." These laws were and are designed to keep America and South Carolinians in favor with God by observing the Fourth Commandment, Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.

In 1961 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld these Blue laws. Yes! In the United States the State can tell you that you are not to work on Sunday and you can be fined or jailed if you do. And further, the Supreme Court said these Blue Laws did not violate “separation of Church and State”. But today, there is little or no enforcement in America’s business and industry. The Civil Sabbath day is completely ignored. Modern day Christians and non-Christians flood the Big Box Stores on Sunday, now Mr. Pitts wants the little box stores in Lexington County all included so they "have" to stay open if they want to stay in business. Woe to you Mr. Pitts. More telling is that the local clergy do not even make a peep or seem to mind at all. The Supreme Court decision on this is McGowan v. Maryland 366 U.S. 420 (1961).

I remember when no Sunday sales were allowed and S.C. was a much better place to live because we had lots of things money can't buy, like: plenty of rain, milder summers, more pleasant people, no XXX shops and less vice and crime. Funny how we often overlook things like that because we don't control it. I say put all Blue Laws back in place and make S.C. wholesome again. Lexington County and S.C. remember your roots!

[Palmetto Patriot]

I'm not a big fan of the blue laws because I'm a huge fan of liberty. But I hate what we're becoming in SC - more materialistic, more "yankee-like" actually. While laws that restrict our liberties should be removed, there has to be steps taken to control this value-less form of capitalism and consumerism that's taking hold.