H 3317 Joint Resolution, By P.H. Thomas, H.M. Hallman, Kelley, L.M. Martin, 
T.F. Rogers, W.J. Young and Young-Brickell
 A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Section 1, Article VIII-A of the
 Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, relating to powers of the General
 Assembly pertaining to alcoholic liquors and beverages, so as to delete
 detailed requirements for the regulation of alcoholic liquors and beverages
 and authorize the General Assembly to regulate their consumption.

   01/19/95  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-4
   01/19/95  House  Referred to Committee on Ways and Means HJ-4
   02/21/95  House  Recalled from Committee on Ways and Means HJ-18
   02/21/95  House  Committed to Committee on Judiciary HJ-18
   04/11/95  House   Failed in committee Judiciary-did not get enough votes

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 1, ARTICLE VIII-A OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO POWERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PERTAINING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES, SO AS TO DELETE DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGULATION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES AND AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REGULATE THEIR CONSUMPTION.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. It is proposed that Section 1, Article VIII-A of the Constitution of this State be amended to read:

"Section 1. In the exercise of the police power the General Assembly shall have has the right to prohibit the manufacture and, sale, and retail, and consumption of alcoholic liquors or beverages within the State. The General Assembly may license persons or corporations to manufacture and, sell, and retail alcoholic liquors or beverages within the State under such rules and restrictions as it deems considers proper; or the General Assembly may prohibit the manufacture and sale and retail of alcoholic liquors and beverages within the State, and may authorize and empower State, county and municipal officers, all or either, under the authority and in the name of the State, to buy in any market and retail within the State liquors and beverages in such packages and quantities, under such rules and regulations, as it deems expedient. Provided, that no license shall be granted to sell alcoholic beverages in less quantities than one ounce in licensed retail stores, or to sell them between seven o'clock p. m. and nine o'clock a. m., or to sell them to be drunk on the premises; provided, further, that the General Assembly shall not delegate to any municipal corporation the power to issue licenses to sell the same. Provided, further, that licenses may be granted to sell and consume alcoholic liquors and beverages in sealed containers of two ounces or less in businesses which engage primarily and substantially in the preparation and serving of meals or furnishing of lodging or on premises of certain nonprofit organizations with limited membership not open to the general public, during such hours as the General Assembly may provide."

SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:

"Must Section 1, Article VIII-A of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to delete the detailed requirements for the General Assembly to regulate the manufacture, sale, retail, and consumption of alcoholic liquors and beverages including minibottles and authorize the General Assembly to regulate their consumption?

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word `Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word `No'."