NORTH AUGUSTA, SC / AUGUSTA, GA - Some think repealing the blue laws could increase tax revenue and direct more money to the public school system.

“Three years ago, the South Carolina General Assembly increased the importance of sales tax dollars for public school funding,” said Brian Tucker, president of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. “Therefore, increased retail sales in South Carolina will directly benefit our school kids.”

The Greater North Augusta and the Greater Aiken Chambers of Commerce have come together to suggest the Aiken County Council suspend “Sunday Operating Prohibitions,” also known as blue laws.

Councilmen Chuck Smith from North Augusta has introduced an ordinance that passed its first reading during the Aiken County Council meeting June 16.

“Blue laws are a type of law typically designed to enforce religious standards, particularly the observance of Sunday as a day of worship or rest and a restriction on Sunday shopping,” said Tucker.

Currently, the only stores allowed to open prior to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday are grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and restaurants.

Some stores in Aiken County rope off the prohibited items on Sundays. These items include clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, office furnishings and the list goes on.

Exceptions to the rule include food, tobacco, medical supplies, swimming or boating equipment, light bulbs and many others. 

These are state laws, but there is language in the code that allows individual counties to repeal the law.

Aiken County generates $2.4 billion in annual retail sales, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Tucker says relaxing the Sunday retail hours will increase retail sales.

Christine Barnwell, manager of the Shoe Dept., said that more business hours probably would bring in more money. Business aside, she would rather not see the law change.

“I just hope they don’t do it,” she said. “I hope they don’t do it for the people who go to church.”