When Can You Buy Beer Legally In South Carolina?

Beer laws vary from state to state, and South Carolina is no exception. While there are no dry counties in South Carolina, the state has strict laws regarding the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages. So, what time can you buy beer in South Carolina?

Beer can be bought in South Carolina 24 hours a day, except on Sundays

On-premise locations, including bars and restaurants, are permitted to sell beer from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays.

While there are no dry counties in South Carolina, and retail liquor sales are uniform statewide, certain counties may enforce time restrictions for beer sales in stores. For example, Pickens County does not allow sales after 2 a.m., while Charleston permits beer sales 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Some counties and cities have been granted permission to sell beer on Sundays through referendums. These include Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (unincorporated areas only), and York. Lancaster and Lexington allow Sunday sales in cities with referendums.

In addition, the cities and towns of Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, Greenville, Aiken, Rock Hill, Summerville, Santee, Daniel Island, Clemson, Hardeeville, and Tega Cay have passed laws to allow Sunday beer sales.

Beer can be purchased for off-premise consumption 24 hours a day, except on Sundays, unless otherwise stipulated by local governance.

On-premise locations can sell beer Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m

Beer lovers in South Carolina, listen up! If you're looking to grab a cold one, here's what you need to know about the beer laws in the state. On-premise locations, which include restaurants and bars, are allowed to sell beer from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday. This means you can enjoy a refreshing brew during the day or with your dinner plans any day of the week, except for Sunday. That's right, on-premise locations are not permitted to sell beer on Sundays, so plan your weekend beer runs accordingly.

Now, let's break down what this means for your favourite drinking spots. Bars and restaurants in South Carolina can serve you a tasty beer from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are slightly different, with beer sales ending at 11:59 p.m. So, if you're looking to extend your weekend buzz, just be mindful of the slightly earlier cutoff time. These establishments offer beer on draft, as well as in bottles and cans, so you can enjoy your favourite brewski.

It's worth noting that the laws for on-premise beer consumption can vary from county to county and city to city. While some counties may restrict sales after 2 a.m., others allow 24-hour sales, seven days a week. So, depending on where you are in the state, you might have more flexibility or need to plan your beer purchases in advance.

When it comes to off-premise consumption, the rules are a little different. Grocery and convenience stores are your friends here, as they can sell beer 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. However, liquor stores have different operating hours and are typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. So, if you're looking to stock up for a home gathering, these stores have you covered during the week.

Now, let's talk about Sundays. While it's true that South Carolina has strict laws against selling beer on Sundays, there are some exceptions. Certain counties and cities have passed referendums to allow on-premise and off-premise beer sales on Sundays. In these locations, you might be able to purchase beer from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws. So, if you're in one of these lucky counties, you can still enjoy a cold one on a Sunday funday!

In conclusion, while South Carolina has its fair share of regulations around beer sales, there are plenty of opportunities to grab a drink during the week. Just remember to plan ahead for those Sundays and check the specific laws in your county or city to avoid any surprises. Cheers!

Off-premise locations can sell beer Monday to Saturday, 24 hours a day

Beer lovers in South Carolina, rejoice! If you're looking to stock up on your favourite brew, you can buy beer from off-premise locations 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday. That means you can grab a six-pack from grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores across the state at any time that suits your schedule during the week. This is especially convenient if you're planning a party or just want to ensure you always have a cold one ready to go in your fridge.

Now, let's break down what this means for your beer-buying options. Off-premise locations refer to places like grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, where you can buy beer to take away and consume off the premises. On the other hand, on-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, have different regulations and are only allowed to sell beer during specific hours on weekdays and Saturdays. So, if you're looking to enjoy a beer with your meal or a night out, keep in mind the on-premise hours.

It's important to note that while off-premise locations offer around-the-clock convenience for beer purchases during the week, there are still some restrictions in place. For one, Sunday sales are a bit more complicated. While some counties and cities in South Carolina have been granted permission to sell beer on Sundays through referendums, it's not a statewide allowance. So, be sure to check the regulations in your specific county or city if you're planning a Sunday restock.

Additionally, while off-premise locations provide 24-hour access to beer during the week, the same doesn't apply to liquor stores. Liquor stores in South Carolina have set operating hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. So, if you're in the market for spirits, be sure to plan your trip to the liquor store accordingly.

In conclusion, when it comes to buying beer in South Carolina, the options are plentiful during the week. Off-premise locations provide the flexibility to grab a beer whenever the craving strikes, Monday through Saturday. However, don't forget about those Sunday restrictions and the differences in hours for on-premise locations and liquor stores. As always, drink responsibly and stay informed about the specific regulations in your area!

Some counties and cities have been granted Sunday sales permission through referendums

In South Carolina, Sunday beer sales are banned statewide. However, some counties and cities have been granted permission to sell beer on Sundays through referendums.

Counties

The following counties in South Carolina can sell beer on Sundays: Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (unincorporated areas only), and York. Lancaster and Lexington allow Sunday sales in cities with referendums.

Cities and Towns

The following cities and towns in South Carolina have passed laws allowing Sunday beer sales: Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, Greenville, Aiken, Rock Hill, Summerville, Santee, Daniel Island, Clemson, Hardeeville, and Tega Cay.

On-Premise and Off-Premise Sales

Both on-premise and off-premise sales are allowed on Sundays in the counties and cities listed above. On-premise sales refer to sales in restaurants and bars, while off-premise sales refer to sales in stores and other off-site locations.

Time Restrictions

It is important to note that even in counties and cities with Sunday sales permission, there may still be time restrictions on when beer can be sold. For example, in Greenville, it is illegal to serve alcohol after 2 a.m. at bars and restaurants. Additionally, certain counties may enforce time restrictions for beer sales in stores, such as no sales after 2 a.m. in Pickens County.

Christmas Restrictions

Beer cannot be purchased on Christmas Day in South Carolina, regardless of the county or city.

Liquor stores are not allowed to open on Sundays

In South Carolina, liquor stores are generally not allowed to open on Sundays. While the state is not a dry state, and there are no dry counties, there are laws restricting the sale of beer or alcohol at specific times.

On-premise locations, such as restaurants and bars, are permitted to sell beer from Monday to Saturday, typically from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., but not on Sundays. Off-premise locations, such as grocery or convenience stores, can sell beer 24 hours a day, except on Sundays, unless allowed by referendum. The statewide time for bars to stop selling alcohol is 2 a.m., although some counties and cities permit bars to remain open until 4 a.m. every day.

While Sunday beer sales are banned statewide, some counties and cities have been granted permission to sell beer and wine on Sundays through referendums. 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. Cities and towns that have passed laws allowing Sunday beer and wine sales include Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, Greenville, Aiken, Rock Hill, Summerville, Santee, Daniel Island, Clemson, Hardeeville, and Tega Cay.

In these counties and cities that have approved Sunday sales, on-premise sales of beer and wine are typically allowed from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., depending on local laws. However, liquor stores in South Carolina are usually closed on Sundays, adhering to the statewide ban on Sunday liquor sales.

Recently, there have been discussions and efforts to change the laws regarding Sunday liquor sales in South Carolina. In February 2024, the South Carolina House approved a bill that would allow liquor stores to open for a few hours on Sundays if their local governments permit it. This change aims to update antiquated rules influenced by religious beliefs and accommodate the needs of businesses and tourists. The bill proposes that liquor stores can operate from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays if approved by a majority vote from the local county or city council.

Frequently asked questions