South Carolina Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Although local ordinances prevail, liquor stores sell spirits and fortified wine, but only sell beer if they so choose to. Grocery and convenience stores sell beer that is up to 5% alcohol. Alcohol is not sold at restaurants and bars after midnight on Saturday until 7 a.m. on Monday. Local laws cover any other hours and restrictions.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
At 18, a person may work at a restaurant that sells alcohol, but any other responsibility involving the sale or transportation of alcohol may not be handled by anyone under the age of 21. As in all states, 21 is the age in which a person may consume alcohol.

Open Container Laws
If a container of alcohol has been previously opened, it must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle where the driver and passengers do not have access.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

Any driver with a BAC that is .18 percent over the legal limit of .08 percent will face harsher penalties.

If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can permanently or temporarily revoke a driver’s license for six months for the first offense, one year for the second, and two years for the third.

If a person reaches their fourth DUI conviction, they face the confiscation of their vehicle. Another penalty option available to the courts is the installation of an ignition interlock device or under certain circumstances, education, assessment, or treatment for alcohol abuse.

After the third conviction, DUI is considered a felony.