Buying Beer On Sundays In Spartanburg, Sc: What's Allowed?

The sale of alcohol in South Carolina is regulated by a complex set of laws that vary from county to county. While there are no dry counties in the state, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays in most areas. However, some counties and cities have been granted permission to sell beer and wine on Sundays through referendums. So, can you buy beer on a Sunday in Spartanburg, SC?

Beer can be purchased in Spartanburg County on Sundays following the passage of a referendum

In Spartanburg County, 64% of voters approved the alcohol referendum, with 55,338 votes in favour and 31,064 against. The measure only applies to off-premise consumption, meaning that beer can be purchased from grocery, convenience, and other stores, but not bars or restaurants.

The passage of the referendum means that stores in Spartanburg County can apply for licenses with the state to sell alcohol on Sundays.

While the sale of beer is now permitted in Spartanburg County on Sundays, there are still some restrictions on the sale of alcohol in South Carolina. For example, liquor stores are only permitted to sell alcohol from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. Additionally, South Carolina is one of four states where it is illegal for retailers to sell liquor on Sundays.

Liquor stores are closed on Sundays in South Carolina

Liquor stores in South Carolina are not permitted to open on Sundays. However, this doesn't mean that alcohol is completely off the menu on this day of the week.

Alcohol on Sundays

South Carolina's Sunday liquor laws vary depending on the location. While liquor stores are closed, there are some counties and cities that have been granted permission to sell beer and wine on Sundays through referendums.

On-Premise and Off-Premise Sales

On-premise sales of beer and wine are allowed from 12:00 am to 2:00 am or 10:00 am to 11:59 pm, depending on local laws. The same is true for restaurants and hotels that serve liquor by the drink.

For off-premise consumption, you can buy beer and wine from gas stations and grocery stores.

History of Alcohol Laws in South Carolina

Voters in South Carolina endorsed prohibition in 1892 but were instead given the "Dispensary System" of state-owned liquor stores. These soon became symbols of political corruption and were shut down in 1907.

Current Liquor Laws

Retail liquor sales are uniform across the state and are permitted from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Push for Sunday Liquor Sales

There has been a push to allow Sunday liquor sales in South Carolina, particularly in the state's biggest and most tourism-heavy areas. However, this has faced opposition from smaller, independent liquor stores, who argue that they would be forced to open on Sundays to remain competitive.

Alcohol Sales in Other States

South Carolina is one of four states where it is illegal for retailers to sell liquor on Sundays, the others being North Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

Beer can be purchased from bars and restaurants in South Carolina from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday

Beer lovers in South Carolina, rejoice! You can purchase your favourite brew from bars and restaurants from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Friday. While the weekend hours are slightly different, with sales ending at 11:59 p.m. on Saturdays, you still have plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing beer. However, keep in mind that Sunday sales are a bit more complicated.

South Carolina has strict regulations regarding Sunday beer sales, with a statewide ban in place. But, there's no need to panic! Some counties and cities, including Spartanburg, have held referendums and gained permission for Sunday sales. So, if you're in Spartanburg, you can still get your beer fix on a Sunday. It's important to note that the specific hours for Sunday sales may vary, so always check the local laws or the establishment's website for the most accurate information.

The laws regarding beer sales in South Carolina can be a bit tricky, with some variations depending on the location and the day of the week. For instance, liquor stores have different operating hours than bars and restaurants, and they are typically closed on Sundays. On the other hand, grocery and convenience stores offer 24-hour beer sales from Monday to Saturday. So, if you're planning to stock up for the week, those stores are your best bet.

It's worth mentioning that South Carolina has a rich history when it comes to alcohol regulations. The state once had a unique system of state-owned liquor stores, which were eventually shut down due to political corruption. Today, the laws continue to evolve, with ongoing debates about expanding Sunday sales and updating other alcohol-related restrictions. So, whether you're a local or a tourist in Spartanburg, it's always a good idea to stay informed about the latest regulations to ensure you can enjoy your beer responsibly.

Beer cannot be purchased on Christmas Day in South Carolina

Beer lovers in South Carolina, take note! While you can buy beer in the state any day of the week, there's one day you'll need to plan ahead for – Christmas Day. That's right, beer cannot be purchased on December 25th in South Carolina, so you'll need to stock up in advance if you're hoping to enjoy a cold one with your holiday feast.

This restriction is part of South Carolina's alcohol laws, which can be a bit complicated. While the state doesn't have any dry counties, and you can generally buy beer anywhere from Monday to Saturday, there are some important time restrictions and variations to keep in mind. For example, on-premise locations like restaurants and bars are typically allowed to sell beer from 10 am to 2 am Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays. Off-premise locations, like grocery or convenience stores, can sell beer 24 hours a day from Monday to Saturday.

And when it comes to Sundays, that's where things get a bit more complex. While Sunday beer sales are banned statewide, some counties and cities have been granted special permission through referendums to sell beer on Sundays. These include counties like Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, and Charleston, and cities like Columbia, Spartanburg, and Greenville. So, if you're in one of these areas, you may be in luck for some Sunday beer runs.

It's important to note that these laws are always evolving, and there have been recent pushes to further expand Sunday sales and make it more convenient for residents and tourists to purchase alcohol on this day. However, as of now, if you're in South Carolina and hoping to buy a beer on Christmas Day, you're out of luck. So, be sure to plan ahead and stock up in advance if you want to enjoy a brew with your holiday celebrations!

Minors can drink with their parents in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the legal drinking age is 21. This means that anyone under 21 cannot purchase alcohol from a liquor store. However, there is an exception to this rule: minors are permitted to drink alcohol with their parents or guardians inside their home.

While South Carolina allows parents to give alcoholic drinks to their children, this is only permitted on private property where alcohol is not being sold. With parental consent, minors are allowed to drink, but they must not leave the house or break other laws, such as driving after drinking. It is still illegal for parents to intentionally buy alcohol for their underage children if they are going to drink elsewhere.

In South Carolina, it is illegal for any adult to give alcohol to a minor – even with the minor's parent's permission. If they do, they face a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and up to $1,075 in fines and fees. These penalties "stack up", meaning they are ticketed for each underage person to whom they give alcohol.

In fact, adults cannot knowingly allow anyone under 21 to drink or possess alcohol in their home or on their property – even if they don't provide the alcohol. They can be sued if they give alcohol to minors who then hurt someone, harm themselves, or damage property.

Frequently asked questions