By Betsy Finklea
At a called meeting held recently, the Dillon County Council held the first reading of an ordinance to suspend the Sunday blue laws in regards to stores opening prior to 1:30 p.m.
It was noted that this came about due to a request from Wal-Mart.
Attorney Ken Dubose said the state does allow counties to suspend blue laws, but pointed out that this has nothing to do with alcohol. This would only allow stores to open prior to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. He said the law protects those who do not want to work due to religious reasons.
In the ordinance, it states that “the County Council recognizes and finds that many merchants in Dillon County need Sunday sales to maintain viable businesses and to pay their employees and those merchants compete with merchants in surrounding counties which open their businesses before 1:30 p.m. on Sundays.” It further states that “the County Council further recognizes and finds that the ability to shop on Sundays will be a convenience to the public.”
The motion to approve the first reading came from Councilman Aron Gandy and was seconded by Councilman Bobby Moody.
All councilmen present, with the exception of Councilman Harold Moody and Councilman Joe Johnson, voted to approve the motion.