Folly may end alcohol sales after 2 a.m.

Published July 21, 2008 at 2:17 pm by Chris Giganti.

Filed in: News, Business, Travel, Offbeat, wine, Folly Beach, beer, alcohol.

Folly may end alcohol sales after 2 a.m.

One of the few places left where you can buy beer or wine after the bars have closed at 2 a.m., Folly Beach is looking to end that controversial liberty. Under the proposed ordinance, which passed a first reading by City Council last month on a 5-2 vote, no alcohol can be sold between 2 and 6 a.m.

One more vote, and it could be law. The second reading and vote take place at the City Council meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. If you’re thinking about going, it’s at Folly Beach City Hall, 21 Center St.:

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From the Charleston Regional Business Journal:

“Basically, it’s created an after-hours drinking atmosphere for people who want to party after 2 a.m. in the street or on the beach,” said Councilman Tim Goodwin, who sponsored the ordinance.

Currently, alcohol sales are available during those hours only at The Pantry store at the BP gas station on Center Street and at Bert’s Supermarket on East Ashley Avenue. Folly Beach bars close at 2 a.m., as Charleston County requires, but drinking on the beach is allowed 24 hours a day.

Goodwin’s push was challenged by a petition drive, sponsored by Bert’s Supermarket, to oppose the crackdown on late-night booze sales. As of Monday, the store had collected 1,000 signatures opposing the ordinance, manager Julia Hastings said.