Lexington County voters closed their wallets Tuesday to a penny-on-the-dollar sales tax mainly for road improvements but opened the way to buy beer by the six-pack and wine by the bottle on Sundays.

The tax increase was crushed 2-1 despite support from community and business leaders who called it vital to keep pace with steady growth.

“Lexington County voters are willing to wait for something more palatable to come along,” said R. J. Shealy, consultant for Citizens Against the Tax Increase.

The tax was earmarked to pay for at least $268.1 million in improvements for roads, water, sewer, drainage and other projects. The increase, to 8 cents from 7 cents, would have lasted eight years, with groceries and prescription medicine exempt.

Opponents attacked the plan as flawed. calling it a political Christmas spree for inclusion of a handful of walking paths, sports fields, civic centers and parks in communities where traffic isn’t a problem but facilities for families are lacking.