June 30, 2025

South Carolina Lawmakers Push for Liquor Liability Reforms

News Summary

In South Carolina, lawmakers are initiating significant reforms to liquor liability laws amidst a crisis caused by skyrocketing insurance rates. Businesses, particularly bars and restaurants, have faced massive increases in insurance premiums, leading many to closure. The reform efforts, led by Senator Ed Sutton, aim to balance the rights of victims with the survival of local businesses. Advocates highlight the potential risks of diminishing rights as the state grapples with economic sustainability and the cultural richness provided by small establishments in the hospitality sector.

South Carolina lawmakers are taking significant steps to reform liquor liability laws, aiming to address the alarming rise in insurance rates that have jeopardized local businesses. Many establishments, notably bars and restaurants, have been forced to close as liquor liability insurance premiums have doubled for numerous businesses during their 2024 renewals.

Newly elected State Senator Ed Sutton is spearheading efforts to amend current liquor liability laws and reconsider how liability is assessed. A critical factor contributing to the crisis is a law enacted in 2017, requiring businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to maintain a minimum liquor liability insurance policy of $1 million. This mandate has reportedly caused insurance companies to exit the South Carolina market and has resulted in significant increases in premiums for existing insurers.

The Brew Cellar, a bar celebrating its 11th anniversary, announced its impending closure, directly attributing its decision to the burdensome liquor liability law. Business owner Zach Dennis has indicated that many owners are caught in a tough financial situation, facing the choice between renewing their insurance policies or shutting down their establishments altogether.

Senator Sutton is actively seeking a balance that would allow small businesses to thrive while still ensuring that victims of overserving alcohol receive compensation. However, advocates for victims have raised alarms that any changes to the liquor liability law might diminish the rights of those affected by alcohol-related incidents, revealing a significant clash between the interests of business owners and victim advocacy groups.

Businesses across the state have reported staggering increases in their insurance premiums, ranging from 100% to as much as 1,000%. This dramatic surge in costs has left many owners with no option but to close their doors permanently. The hospitality industry in South Carolina plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy, generating approximately $13 billion in tourism revenue in Charleston alone in 2022. The importance of this sector underscores the urgency of the proposed reforms.

Senator Sutton plans to present a proposal by May for consideration, but he worries that it may arrive too late for several struggling businesses. Lawmakers and business owners have voiced a consensus that failure to revise the current law could have dire implications for Charleston’s vibrant culinary landscape. The existing framework is seen as favoring larger chain establishments over small, local businesses, thereby stifling competition and diversity within the market.

The necessity for reforms has gained bipartisan support, indicating a shared recognition of the urgent need to modify existing liquor liability regulations. The overwhelming rise in insurance rates poses not only a challenge for individual business owners but also risks diminishing the overall cultural and culinary richness that small businesses bring to the state.

The call for legislative changes highlights broader concerns related to economic sustainability, community livelihood, and the livelihoods of many hardworking individuals in South Carolina’s hospitality sector. As the debate unfolds, the balance between victim rights and the survival of local businesses remains a crucial point of contention, with the outcome carrying significant implications for the future of the state’s vibrant hospitality industry.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.