Orangeburg County passes ordinance closing bars earlier

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Some bar owners, workers and patrons don’t like the idea that bars in Orangeburg County must stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports (http://bit.ly/1HSPmEj ) the county council approved the ordinance by a 6-1 vote Monday.

At a public hearing before the vote, some in the audience complained that council members had their minds made up beforehand and were not listening to them.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell says he understands the need for entertainment but says the new ordinance should help reduce shootings and other violence at nightspots.

Nightspots in unincorporated areas of the county may not serve alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The ordinance also requires that anyone who does not work at a nightclub must leave by 2:30 a.m.

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Information from: The Times & Democrat, http://www.timesanddemocrat.com