The store pays $86,250 annually to the state for the $375,000 scenario. At $25,000, the loan repayment would cost $5,640 annually.

“We the board feel confident this will work,” Durham said.

Durham also said he hopes the store could be reopened by mid-March with plans not to sell wine and mixers, only spirits. Durham said the store will only sell items people can’t get anywhere else except in South Carolina so the store doesn’t compete with local businesses who sell other items such as wine.
Commissioner George Baker thanked the ABC board for their work.

“If we decide to do this I don’t want to hold this up another day,” Baker said. “I think you’ve presented us with a real clear cut option. We need to decide one, if we want an ABC store and two, if we want to stick our necks out.”

Commissioners unanimously approved co-signing a loan not to exceed $30,000.

Isabell said she has spoken to restaurants who have agreed to purchase liquor from the store.

“I haven’t come across one person who hasn’t wanted the store to reopen,” Isabell said. “It would just be a shame to have another (business) close up.”