With the 2024 elections behind us, there’s a lot to look forward to in Florence County regarding the future of alcohol laws. That’s because, on November 5, Florence County voters overwhelmingly voted to approve the referendum allowing Sunday Beer and Wine sales in Florence County.

While the City of Florence had already approved Sunday Beer and Wine sales, the County had yet to do so, making Florence County one of the last holdouts on the issue. This meant that Florence was surrounded by counties who had already voted to allow county-wide Beer and Wine sales. This meant that Florence was forced to watch large amounts of sales and revenue flee to neighboring counties each weekend.

All that changed on November 5 when Florence County voters took to the polls and voted 67.4% in favor of the referendum to allow Sunday alcohol sales.

It is important to mention that the new law applies to Beer and Wine only. Liquor sales are still prohibited on Sundays and are an issue that must be addressed at the State level.

Micky Finn’s has long been considered an institution in the Pee Dee region and it has lobbied for years to eliminate laws barring the sale of alcohol in both the city of Florence and the county. Not surprisingly, Micky Finn’s was a major supporter of the ballot initiative.

In fact, Micky Finn’s owner Rick Havekost worked together with Florence County Councilman William Schofield to put this referendum on the ballot this election cycle.  

“Florence County was one of the last counties in the State to approve Sunday Beer and Wine sales,” said Havekost. “The recent law change, overwhelmingly supported by Florence County voters, will provide greater choices for the public, more revenue for local businesses, and much needed revenue to the county itself.”

“You’re not stopping anyone from purchasing it,” he added. “You’re just making them angry. People will just drive to Darlington or Marion County and take the revenue with them. It’s fantastic that Florence County tax revenue will finally stay within Florence County borders.”

For a more in-depth discussion of the Florence County alcohol laws and how they have changed over the years, take a look at this interview with Rick Havekost on the No Stop Lights podcast with Ken Ard. The discussion begins around the 40 minute mark.

Regardless, with a landslide victory like November’s referendum, there’s very little question that Sunday Beer and Wine sales are an idea whose time has come.

In addition to Florence County, Dillon County also approved county-wide Beer and Wine sales. Likewise, Quinby and Johnsonville also approved Sunday Beer and Wine sales.