Debbie! I need to answer your question about the mini bottles.

I think it was in 1973 that SC finally allowed bars and restaurants to serve liquor (used to have to bring it in yourself). But, they placed restrictions and said that they could only serve it out of minibottles (like you would have in a hotel room or on an airplane). At the time, the bottles were 1.5 oz (still way more than is normally put in a mixed drink). Then, the manufacturers changed it to 1.7 oz. So, right now, if you go to a bar or restaurant and order a mixed drink in SC, you get one full mini bottle (1.7 oz). That's a pretty strong drink!!!! If you happen to order a drink that uses two different types of alcohol, you get a double dose!!!!

And you're so right! There is a huge garbage issue with the current system.

The proposed change to our state's constitution would adjust to allow for bars and restaurants to do as they choose, and if they would rather use the large bottles, then they will be able to. That is all dependent on the change passing in next week's election. From what I understand, in the "free pour" states (all 49 other states), a mixed drink would contain around 1 oz of alcohol. MADD is supporting the change, as well as many other groups. I think it is absurd that we would still have this regulation in our state when no other state has it! Plus, we have the highest fatality rate in the country due to alcohol related accidents!

Hope this explanation helps! I'll let you know what happens next Tuesday.