News & Events
Blue Laws Suspension Levels Playing Field for Local Retailers During Holiday Shopping Season
LAURENS COUNTY - In a move supported by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Laurens County Council voted Tuesday night (October 28) to suspend the state Blue Laws in the unincorporated areas of the county. The suspension will allow businesses to open at any time on Sundays beginning November 2.
According to County Administrator Ernie Segars, the cities of Clinton and Laurens have been contacted about suspending the Blue Laws inside their respective limits. Both communities followed the county's lead last year by suspending the laws during the months of November and December, however, neither community has yet to act on the issue this year.
The action is seen as a step toward making Laurens County businesses more competitive with larger neighboring counties during the busiest shopping season of the year. Counties that collect more than $900,000 in accommodations taxes are exempt from the Blue Laws throughout the year including Greenville County, a hub of retail activity in the upstate.
County Council also approved on second reading an ordinance that will suspend the Blue Laws in unincorporated areas for six months, beginning January 1, 2009. This ordinance should receive a public hearing and be approved on third reading on Tuesday, November 25.
For more detailed information, read the related article on GoLaurens.com.
