South Carolina's Beer Buying: Age And Time Limits

South Carolina's alcohol laws are complex and vary depending on the type of alcohol, the day of the week, and the location. While there are no dry counties in South Carolina, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays in most areas. However, some counties and cities have passed referendums allowing the sale of beer and wine on Sundays. This includes counties such as Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, and York, among others.

On Mondays to Saturdays, the hours for purchasing alcohol differ depending on the establishment. Hotels and restaurants with a license can sell alcohol from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., while liquor stores have more restricted hours, operating from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Grocery and convenience stores are permitted to sell beer and wine 24 hours a day during this period.

Where to buy beer in South Carolina

South Carolina has a variety of options for purchasing beer, although it's important to note that Sunday sales are banned by state law. However, some counties and cities have been granted permission to sell beer on Sundays through referendums. These include the counties of Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (unincorporated areas), and York. Additionally, Lancaster and Lexington allow Sunday sales in cities with referendums.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants are permitted to sell beer from 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, they stop serving beer at midnight, and they are not allowed to sell beer on Sundays unless permitted by the county. These locations offer beer on draft, as well as in bottles and cans. It's important to note that you cannot purchase beer from bars or restaurants for off-premise consumption.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are allowed to sell beer 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. Beer sales at gas stations are prohibited on Sundays unless the county or city allows it. You can typically find 12 oz cans or bottles, as well as 19.2 oz and 24 oz cans at gas stations.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores sell beer from 9 am to 7 pm every day except Sundays, unless the store is located in a city or county that permits Sunday alcohol sales. Beer sold at grocery stores is strictly for off-premise consumption.

Breweries and Taprooms

Breweries and taprooms follow similar hours to bars and restaurants, selling beer from 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday. Many breweries are closed on Mondays, and some may have different operating hours. Breweries in counties that allow Sunday sales can sell beer starting at 10 am on Sundays. These locations offer beer on draft, as well as growlers and packaged beer to go. They also sell kegs.

It's important to note that package and liquor stores in South Carolina do not sell beer. These stores are state-run and only sell liquor and high ABV wines.

When to buy beer in South Carolina

South Carolina's alcohol laws can be tricky, and they vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week. Here is a detailed guide on when you can buy beer in the state of South Carolina:

On-Premise Establishments:

On-premise establishments include bars, restaurants, and breweries that serve beer for on-site consumption. These establishments are generally allowed to sell beer from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are typically shortened, with sales stopping at midnight. On Sundays, beer sales are prohibited statewide, except in certain counties and cities that have been granted permission through referendums. These include counties like Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, and York, and cities like Columbia, Spartanburg, Greenville, and Aiken.

Off-Premise Establishments:

Off-premise locations such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations offer beer for off-site consumption. These establishments can sell beer 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, off-premise sales are not allowed unless permitted by a referendum in specific counties. The same counties and cities that allow on-premise sales on Sundays also permit off-premise sales.

Liquor Stores:

Liquor stores in South Carolina have specific operating hours and are subject to different regulations. They are permitted to sell beer and other alcoholic beverages from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Liquor stores are required to remain closed on Sundays.

Additional Considerations:

It is important to note that South Carolina has strict laws regarding the minimum drinking age. Only individuals aged 21 and above are allowed to purchase and consume alcohol. Additionally, open container laws prohibit consuming alcohol inside your car, and driving under the influence (DUI) can result in jail time and license suspension.

In summary, when buying beer in South Carolina, the day of the week and the type of establishment are crucial factors. While on-premise sales are generally allowed until 2 a.m. on weekdays and vary on weekends, off-premise locations offer more flexibility with 24-hour sales from Monday to Saturday. Liquor stores have set operating hours, and Sunday sales are restricted across the state, except in specific counties and cities. Always remember to drink responsibly and follow the local laws to avoid any legal consequences.

Age restrictions for buying beer in South Carolina

South Carolina has strict laws in place regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, and these vary across the state. The state has no dry counties, meaning alcohol can be purchased almost everywhere. However, there are age restrictions in place for buying beer, and these are strictly enforced.

In South Carolina, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase beer. Proper identification, such as a driver's license or passport, is required to verify age. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol. Using a false ID to purchase alcohol is a crime and can lead to driver's license revocation.

Where and when can you buy beer in South Carolina?

Beer can be purchased from retail outlets such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations. On-premise locations, including bars, restaurants, and breweries, allow beer sales from 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday. Off-premise locations, such as grocery and convenience stores, can sell beer 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday.

Sunday beer sales in South Carolina

Sunday beer sales are banned statewide in South Carolina, although some counties and cities have been granted permission through referendums to sell beer and wine on Sundays. These include the counties of Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland, and York. Lancaster and Lexington also allow Sunday sales in cities with referendums.

Other alcohol laws in South Carolina

Liquor stores in South Carolina are permitted to sell to customers from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays. Private clubs may sell alcohol from 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday.

Drinking and driving in South Carolina

South Carolina has strict open container laws, and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above. For those under 21, the limit is 0.02% or higher. The penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) include fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.

Buying beer in South Carolina on Sundays

South Carolina's alcohol laws can be confusing, and they vary from county to county. Here is a detailed overview of buying beer in South Carolina on Sundays:

Where Can You Buy Beer in South Carolina on Sundays?

Beer sales on Sundays are banned statewide in South Carolina. However, some counties and cities have passed referendums to allow beer sales on Sundays. The following counties currently allow Sunday beer sales: Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (only unincorporated areas), and York. Additionally, the cities of Columbia, Spartanburg, Greenville, Aiken, Rock Hill, Summerville, Santee, Daniel Island, Clemson, Hardeeville, and Tega Cay have passed similar laws.

The hours for beer sales on Sundays vary depending on local laws. In some counties, on-premise sales of beer are allowed from 12:00 am to 2:00 am or 10:00 am to 11:59 pm. This means that bars, restaurants, and hotels can sell beer during these specified times. Off-premise sales, such as at grocery or convenience stores, may be permitted 24 hours a day on Sundays in some counties.

It is important to note that not all counties in South Carolina allow beer sales on Sundays. In counties that do not have a local option permit, beer sales are restricted on Sundays. Additionally, there may be time restrictions on beer sales, even in counties that allow Sunday sales. For example, in Pickens County, there are no sales of beer or wine after 2:00 am.

Local option permits allow food establishments, including restaurants and bars, to sell beer, wine, and liquor on Sunday mornings from 12:00 am to 2:00 am and from 10:00 am on Sunday to 12:00 am on Monday. Grocery and convenience stores with permits can sell beer and wine seven days a week, 24 hours a day. These permits give counties and cities the flexibility to determine their own regulations regarding beer sales on Sundays.

Historically, South Carolina had strict "blue laws" that prohibited various activities on Sundays, including the sale of alcohol. While some of these laws have been relaxed, there is still a statewide ban on the sale of alcohol in grocery and liquor stores on Sundays. However, individual municipalities have set their own laws and referendums to allow the sale of beer and wine on Sundays.

Penalties for drinking and driving in South Carolina

In South Carolina, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If your BAC is at least 0.05% but less than 0.08%, this may be considered along with other evidence to infer that you are under the influence. The penalties for a DUI conviction in South Carolina depend on several factors, including the number of prior convictions, the driver's age, and the BAC level. Here are the penalties for drinking and driving in South Carolina:

First DUI Conviction

For a first DUI conviction, the penalties depend on the driver's BAC level. If the BAC is less than 0.10%, the driver faces 48 hours to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $400 ($992 with assessments and surcharges), and a six-month license suspension. For a BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%, the penalties include seven to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a six-month license suspension. If the BAC is 0.16% or higher, the penalties increase to 30 to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension. First-time offenders have the option to perform community service instead of serving jail time.

Second DUI Conviction

The penalties for a second DUI conviction also vary based on the driver's BAC level. With a BAC of less than 0.10%, the driver faces five days to one year in jail, a fine of $2,100 to $5,100, and a two-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. For a BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%, the penalties include 30 days to two years in jail, a fine of $2,500 to $5,500, and a two-year IID requirement. Additionally, there is a two-month license suspension if the BAC is at least 0.15%. If the BAC is 0.16% or higher, the penalties increase to 90 days to three years in jail, a fine of $3,500 to $6,500, a two-month license suspension, and a two-year IID requirement.

Third DUI Conviction

The penalties for a third DUI conviction continue to differ based on the driver's BAC level. With a BAC of less than 0.10%, the driver faces 60 days to three years in jail, a fine of $3,800 to $6,500, and a three-year IID requirement. For a BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%, the penalties include 90 days to four years in jail, a fine of $5,000 to $7,500, and a three-year IID requirement. There is also a three-month license suspension if the BAC is at least 0.15%. If the BAC is 0.16% or higher, the penalties are six months to five years in jail, a fine of $7,500 to $10,000, a three-month license suspension, and a three-year IID requirement. If the third offense occurs within five years of the first, the driver's license is suspended for four years.

Fourth or Subsequent DUI Conviction

For a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction, the penalties become more severe. The driver faces imprisonment of one to five years and permanent revocation of their driver's license. If the offense results in great bodily injury or death, the penalties include a mandatory fine and additional imprisonment. Causing great bodily injury carries a fine of $5,100 to $10,100 and imprisonment of 30 days to 15 years. If death occurs, the fine increases to $10,100 to $25,100, and the imprisonment is one to 25 years.

Underage DUI

South Carolina has a zero-tolerance law for drinking and driving for those under the age of 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. An underage DUI does not result in fines or jail time but can lead to a license suspension of three to six months.

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