Edisto Beach Beer Laws: Sunday Shopping Explained

The sale of alcohol in South Carolina is regulated by a three-tier distribution system that distinguishes between manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. While liquor stores are only permitted to sell alcohol from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. Although Sunday sales of alcohol are generally prohibited in South Carolina, certain counties and cities have passed referendums to allow the sale of beer and wine on Sundays. Edisto Island, a quiet beach destination in South Carolina, is subject to these regulations. While drinking alcohol on the beach is illegal, some visitors choose to discreetly drink beer from cans.

Edisto Beach's alcohol laws

Edisto Beach is located in South Carolina, where the alcohol laws vary by county. While there are no dry counties in the state, and retail liquor sales are uniform across the state, certain counties may enforce time restrictions for beer and wine sales in stores.

In South Carolina, liquor stores are permitted to sell to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. However, you can buy beer or wine at grocery or convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday.

Although Sunday sales of liquor are banned by state law, some counties and cities have held referendums to allow Sunday sales of beer and wine. These include Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (unincorporated areas only), and York. Additionally, Lancaster and Lexington allow Sunday sales in cities with referendums.

As Edisto Beach is located in Colleton County, which is not listed as one of the counties permitting Sunday sales of beer and wine, it can be assumed that alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays in Edisto Beach.

It is also important to note that drinking alcohol on the beach at Edisto is illegal. While some people have reported discreetly drinking beer from cans on the beach, glass containers are prohibited, and those who are caught drinking may be ticketed and asked to leave.

Drinking alcohol on Edisto Beach

In terms of drinking alcohol on the beach, it is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages in public places, including beaches, in South Carolina. However, some visitors to Edisto Beach have reported discreetly drinking beer from cans on the beach without being scolded by the beach patrol. It is important to note that glass containers are prohibited on the beach, so if you choose to drink, make sure to use cans or plastic cups.

When it comes to purchasing alcohol near Edisto Beach, the regulations differ depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week. Hotels and restaurants with a license can sell alcohol from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturdays. Liquor stores are permitted to sell to customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays. However, grocery and convenience stores are allowed to sell beer and wine 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday.

While South Carolina state law prohibits the sale of alcohol on Sundays, certain counties and cities have passed referendums to allow the sale of beer and wine on Sundays. These include Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, Greenville, Aiken, Rock Hill, Summerville, Santee, Daniel Island, Clemson, Hardeeville, and Tega Cay. In these areas, on-premise sales of beer and wine are permitted either from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays, depending on local laws. Therefore, if you are visiting Edisto Beach and wish to purchase alcohol on a Sunday, you may need to travel to one of these nearby counties or cities.

Buying beer on Sundays in South Carolina

South Carolina's Sunday liquor laws vary depending on the location. While some counties and cities have passed referendums to allow Sunday sales of beer and wine, others maintain a ban. Edisto Beach, known for its quiet and family-oriented atmosphere, falls under the jurisdiction of Colleton County, which does not specifically appear on the list of counties permitting Sunday beer and wine sales. However, it is worth noting that the laws regarding alcohol sales in South Carolina can be complex and subject to change.

Counties Permitting Sunday Beer and Wine Sales:

• Abbeville
• Berkeley
• Beaufort
• Charleston
• Darlington
• Dorchester
• Georgetown
• Greenwood
• Horry
• McCormick
• Newberry
• Oconee
• Richland (unincorporated areas only)
• York
• Lancaster and Lexington (allowing sales in cities with referendums)

Cities and Towns Permitting Sunday Beer and Wine Sales:

• Columbia
• Spartanburg
• Charleston
• Greenville
• Aiken
• Rock Hill
• Summerville
• Santee
• Daniel Island
• Clemson
• Hardeeville
• Tega Cay

General Regulations for Alcohol Sales in South Carolina:

• Retail liquor sales are permitted from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and are banned on Sundays statewide.
• Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, in most locations.
• Hotels and restaurants with a license can sell alcohol Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• On-premise sales of beer and wine in qualifying counties are typically allowed from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays, depending on local laws.
• Bars and restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol until 2 a.m.
• Liquor can only be purchased at licensed liquor stores and is not available for sale on Sundays, except in certain counties that have obtained special licenses.

It is important to note that the information provided here may not be exhaustive, and it is always advisable to check the local laws and regulations in your specific area within South Carolina, as they can vary by county and city.

Buying alcohol in South Carolina

The laws around alcohol sales in South Carolina vary by county and can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about purchasing alcohol in the state:

Where Can You Buy Alcohol?

In South Carolina, retailers with appropriate licenses are permitted to sell alcohol to the public. This includes grocery and convenience stores, as well as liquor stores. However, liquor is only sold at licensed liquor stores, while beer and wine can be purchased at most grocery and convenience stores.

The days and hours of alcohol sales differ depending on the type of establishment and the county. Here is an overview:

• Hotels and Restaurants: Licensed hotels and restaurants can sell alcohol from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are shortened to 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and sales are generally prohibited on Sundays.
• Liquor Stores: Liquor stores are permitted to operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. They are typically closed on Sundays.
• Grocery and Convenience Stores: Beer and wine can be purchased at these stores 24 hours a day, but only Monday through Saturday. Some counties, such as Charleston, allow beer and wine sales on Sundays as well.

Alcohol Sales on Sundays

While Sunday sales of liquor are banned statewide, certain counties and cities have passed referendums to allow the sale of beer and wine on Sundays. These include counties like Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, and Richland (unincorporated areas only), among others. Cities like Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, and Greenville also permit Sunday sales of beer and wine. On-premise sales of beer and wine in these areas are usually allowed from either 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws.

Alcohol Consumption on Edisto Beach

Drinking alcohol on Edisto Beach is not permitted. While there are conflicting reports, it seems that drinking discreetly from a can (not a glass bottle) may be tolerated, but it is still illegal. If caught, individuals will be fined and asked to leave the beach. Edisto Beach is known for being a quiet, family-oriented beach, so loud partying is not tolerated.

Historical Context

South Carolina has a history with prohibition, dating back to 1892 when voters endorsed it. Instead, the state implemented the "Dispensary System" of state-owned liquor stores, which were shut down in 1907 due to political corruption. Today, the state has no dry counties, but the sale of liquor is still prohibited on Sundays, with some counties making exceptions for beer and wine sales.

Alcohol laws in South Carolina

Hotels and restaurants with a license can sell alcohol from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturdays. Liquor stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Beer and wine can be purchased 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday, from grocery and convenience stores.

Alcohol sales on Sundays

Certain counties and cities have passed referendums permitting on-premise and/or off-premise sales on Sundays. On-premise sales of beer and wine are allowed either from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws. Restaurants and hotels serving liquor by the drink follow the same Sunday schedule.

Purchasing alcohol after 11 p.m. in South Carolina

Bars and restaurants can sell alcohol until 2 a.m.

Alcohol laws in Edisto Beach

Drinking alcohol on Edisto Beach is prohibited, and the rule is strictly enforced. However, some visitors report discreetly drinking beer from cans on the beach without issue. Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.

Frequently asked questions