South Carolina: Bars and Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Need One Million in Liquor Liability

South Carolina’s bars and restaurants that serve alcohol will now need a million dollars in liquor liability insurance. The law went into effect July 1 and is called the ‘Dram Shop’ bill. Dram shop is an older term that describes sellers of alcohol.

The Dram Shop, Liquor Liability Bill in South Carolina

Any business that’s open past 5 p.m. and sells alcohol for on-site consumption must have this coverage. If they do not get this coverage, it could mean suspension or revocation of their permit or license.

The state voted to amend its current liquor license law after a drunk driving crash paralyzed a police officer in Dillon and also left him permanently brain-damaged. Afterward, the club from which the driver left from was not held liable for the crash because they did not have any insurance.

Safety on South Carolina’s Roadways

In response, the South Carolina Association for Justice says the law should prevent serious accidents from happening in the future. It will also hold businesses that over-serve alcohol liable for DUI-related deaths and/or damages.

South Carolina and Ignition Interlocks

In South Carolina, Ignition Interlocks are mandatory for all DUI offenders with a BAC of .15 or greater. However, other states with mandatory laws see a lower risk of drunk driving on their roadways with an Ignition Interlock requirement of a BAC of .08 or greater.

Interlocks are an effective tool against drunk driving, and, alongside responsible bar and club owners, will help keep South Carolina’s roads safe.

Smart Start Gets You Back on the Road Safely

Need an Ignition Interlock? Smart Start can provide you a reliable and affordable Interlock with round-the-clock customer service. Our team will set up your appointment, give a quote and let you know about any current discounts in your area. Call today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.