Myrtle Beach restaurant owners give new South Carolina liquor liability law mixed reviews
- SCCLR Newsletter
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
By: Morgan Baker
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina’s new liquor liability law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, is receiving mixed reactions from Myrtle Beach restaurant and bar owners.
The legislation aims to address rising insurance costs by offering premium reductions for businesses that implement specific safety measures.
Under the law, businesses can reduce the required $1 million insurance premium by $100,000 to $250,000. These reductions are available for stopping alcohol sales after midnight, providing specific employee training and using digital ID scanners between midnight and 4 a.m.
Jordan Brown, owner of Lolli’s on 3rd in Myrtle Beach, said her insurance costs have continued to climb despite meeting the requirements of the new legislation.
“We have everything done that was asked,” she said. “We had zero claims, we had nothing on our insurance, and it jumped $44,000 this year.”
Brown expressed concern that some of the incentives, specifically the midnight sales cutoff, are not practical for a tourism-driven economy. She noted that many local hospitality employees do not finish their own work shifts until midnight.
“Usually, most of our customers are working; it’s a hospitality town, so they’re working till midnight,” Brown said. “They’re getting off work and wanting to come have a drink and what are we supposed to do, close down and say, ‘Hey, no, you’re not allowed to come have a drink, we’re closing.'”
The impact on the local economy could be widespread if businesses are forced to scale back, according to Brown.
“In this industry, we’re a tourism industry, it’s about nightlife, bars, events, that’s not sustainable here in Myrtle Beach and South Carolina in general,” Brown said. “It is hurting small businesses here, mom and pops, restaurants and bars and nightclubs around here, it’s going to be an effect on everybody.”
Other business owners see the new regulations as a necessary change for the industry. Todd Pinkler, owner of Voodoo Brewing at Broadway at the Beach, said the law is past due.
Because his business does not stay open past midnight and maintains a smaller staff than many other establishments, the new rules have a limited impact on his current operations.
Pinkler said he anticipates the law will eventually lead to lower costs and increased community safety.
“There are a few growing pains in the beginning, but I hope that in the long run, it will pay not only for the local community and reducing alcohol instances, but also reducing my insurance premiums,” he said.
Brown said the new law could potentially force restaurants to cut back, or even close because of the insurance costs, which could impact jobs and the overall tourism economy.
