South Carolina's Beer Buying Laws Explained

South Carolina's alcohol laws can be tricky to keep up with. While there are no dry counties in the state, and beer can be purchased any day of the week, there are specific times when you can buy it. On-premise locations like bars and restaurants allow beer sales from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays. Off-premise locations like gas stations and grocery stores can sell beer 24 hours a day, except on Sundays, unless the county has allowed it through a referendum. So, if you're looking to buy a beer in South Carolina, the day of the week and time of day will determine where you can go.

Where to buy beer in South Carolina

South Carolina's beer laws can be tricky. While you can buy beer in many places, there are certain restrictions on where and when you can purchase it. Here is a guide to help you navigate the beer laws in South Carolina and find out where to buy your favourite brew.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants in South Carolina 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 establishments offer beer on draft, as well as in bottles and cans, but you cannot purchase beer from bars or restaurants for off-premise consumption.

Gas Stations

Gas stations across South Carolina can sell beer 24 hours a day, from Monday through Saturday. Beer sales at gas stations on Sundays are prohibited unless the station is located in a county or city that allows it. Gas stations typically offer a variety of beer sizes, including 12 oz, 19.2 oz, and 24 oz cans.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in South Carolina are allowed to sell beer from 9 am to 7 pm every day except Sundays, unless they are in a city or county that permits Sunday alcohol sales. It is important to note that alcohol purchased from grocery stores is strictly for off-premise consumption.

Breweries and Taprooms

Breweries and taprooms in South Carolina generally follow the same hours of operation as bars and restaurants, selling beer from 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday. However, many breweries may have different operating hours and are often closed on Mondays. In counties that allow it, breweries and taprooms can sell beer starting at 10 am on Sundays. These establishments offer a variety of options, including beer on draft, growlers, packaged beer in bottles or cans, and even kegs.

Package and Liquor Stores

Interestingly, package and liquor stores in South Carolina do not sell beer. These state-run stores only offer liquor and high ABV wines and are typically open from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, unless permitted by local governance to operate on Sundays.

Online Delivery

Currently, beer delivery is not available in South Carolina. However, there is a bill that passed the South Carolina House in 2021, which aims to allow beer delivery and curbside pickup from restaurants. This bill is expected to be addressed by the state senate soon.

When beer can be bought on Sundays

Beer lovers in South Carolina have to plan their purchases carefully, as the state has complex laws governing the sale of alcohol. While there are no dry counties in South Carolina, and beer can be purchased seven days a week, sales are prohibited at certain times and on Sundays.

On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, can sell beer from Monday to Saturday, typically between the hours of 10 am and 2 am. However, beer sales are banned on Sundays across the state, unless the county or city has been granted permission through a referendum.

Some counties and cities have passed referendums allowing on-premise and off-premise sales on Sundays. In these areas, beer can be purchased at permitted restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores on Sundays. The hours for on-premise sales vary, with some locations permitting sales from 12 am to 2 am, and others from 10 am to 11:59 pm on Sundays.

The following counties currently allow Sunday beer sales: Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Richland (unincorporated areas only), and York. Additionally, cities in Lancaster and Lexington have passed referendums to allow Sunday sales.

Cities and towns that have passed laws enabling Sunday beer sales include Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, Greenville, Aiken, Rock Hill, Summerville, Santee, Daniel Island, Clemson, Hardeeville, and Tega Cay.

It is important to note that the laws regarding alcohol sales in South Carolina can vary by county and city, and it is always a good idea to check the regulations in your specific area.

Age restrictions on buying beer

South Carolina's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to age restrictions on buying beer. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the rules:

Minimum Age Requirements:

• The minimum drinking age in South Carolina is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol, including beer.
• While there is no minimum age for selling beer or wine for off-site consumption, the legal age to serve alcohol for on-site consumption is 18 years old, and the age to tend a bar is 21.
• Minors (under 21 years old) are allowed to consume alcohol in specific circumstances. They can drink with their parent or guardian in their home, and for religious purposes.

Retail Purchase Restrictions:

• Beer can be purchased at various locations, including bars, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and breweries. However, liquor stores in South Carolina do not sell beer.
• On-premise locations, such as restaurants and bars, allow beer sales from 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday. Some counties and cities may have different regulations, but generally, on-premise sales are prohibited on Sundays.
• Off-premise locations, like gas stations and grocery stores, can sell beer 24 hours a day, except on Sundays, unless allowed by a local referendum.
• Some counties and cities in South Carolina have passed referendums permitting the sale of beer and wine on Sundays. These areas include Abbeville, Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, and more.

Other Important Notes:

• It is illegal for anyone to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and for those under 21, the limit is 0.02%.
• Using a false ID to purchase alcohol is a crime and can lead to legal consequences and driver's license revocation.
• South Carolina has strict laws regarding open containers, and it is illegal to carry an open container outside of an on-premise location.

In summary, while the minimum age to purchase alcohol in South Carolina is 21, there are exceptions for minors consuming alcohol with their parents or for religious purposes. The sale of beer is restricted by location and day of the week, with on-premise and off-premise locations having different regulations. Always remember to drink responsibly and follow the local laws to avoid any legal consequences.

Beer delivery services

While beer delivery may not be widely available in South Carolina, there are other options for obtaining beer in the state. Beer can be purchased from various establishments, including bars, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and breweries and taprooms. These establishments offer different hours for beer sales, with on-premise locations allowing beer sales from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday, and off-premise locations selling beer 24 hours a day, except on Sundays, unless allowed by referendum.

Although statewide beer delivery services may not be available in South Carolina, there are companies like Instacart and AlcoholDelivery.com that offer alcohol delivery in certain areas. These services may have restrictions on the types of alcohol they can deliver and may require additional fees for their services. It is always a good idea to check with multiple providers to find the best option for your specific needs.

Penalties for drinking and driving

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 vary depending on the number of prior convictions and the driver's BAC level. Here are the penalties for a DUI conviction:

First DUI Conviction

• BAC of Less Than 0.10%: 48 hours to 30 days in jail, $400 in fines, and a six-month license suspension.
• BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%: Seven to 30 days in jail, $500 in fines, and a six-month license suspension.
• BAC of at Least 0.16%: 30 to 90 days in jail, $1,000 in fines, and a six-month license suspension.

Second DUI Conviction

• BAC of Less Than 0.10%: Five days to one year in jail, $2,100 to $5,100 in fines, and a two-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement.
• BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%: 30 days to two years in jail, $2,500 to $5,100 in fines, and a two-year IID requirement. For a BAC of at least 0.15%, there's also a two-month license suspension.
• BAC of at Least 0.16%: 90 days to three years in jail, $3,500 to $6,500 in fines, a two-month license suspension, and a two-year IID requirement.

Third DUI Conviction

• BAC of Less Than 0.10%: 60 days to three years in jail, $3,800 to $6,300 in fines, and a three-year IID requirement.
• BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%: 90 days to four years in jail, $5,000 to $7,500 in fines, and a three-year IID requirement. Drivers with a BAC of at least 0.15% will also receive a three-month license suspension.
• BAC of at Least 0.16%: Six months to five years in jail, $7,500 to $10,000 in fines, a three-month license suspension, and a three-year IID requirement.

Fourth or Subsequent DUI Conviction

A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction is considered a felony in South Carolina. The penalties include:

• Imprisonment from one to five years.
• Permanent revocation of your driver's license.
• Fines ranging from $5,100 to $25,100 if the offense results in great bodily injury or death.

Underage DUI

In South Carolina, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. An underage DUI will not result in fines or jail time, but the offender can face a license suspension of three to six months.

Open Container Laws

South Carolina also has strict open container laws. It is illegal to have an open container of beer, wine, or liquor in a moving vehicle, except in the trunk or luggage compartment. Violation of these laws can result in a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions