Rising liquor liability insurance premiums have placed enormous strain on bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout Horry County and the Grand Strand, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Little River, Carolina Forest, and surrounding communities. To address the growing problem, South Carolina lawmakers passed a major liquor liability and tort reform bill designed to stabilize insurance costs while still addressing public safety.

Some portions of the law are already in effect, but the most impactful changes begin January 1, 2026. Whether you are a business owner, employee, or local resident, it is important to understand what these changes mean for our community.

✔️ Insurance Requirement Remains – With Potential Relief

South Carolina still requires establishments that serve alcohol to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance. However, the new law creates opportunities to reduce that burden in certain circumstances. For example, businesses that stop serving alcohol before midnight or otherwise operate under lower-risk conditions may be eligible for reduced coverage requirements.

For hospitality-driven areas like Myrtle Beach and Horry County — where tourism, nightlife, beach entertainment, and hospitality jobs are essential to the local economy — this change could help businesses survive rising costs.

✔️ Mandatory Alcohol Server Training

All servers who sell or serve alcohol will now be required to complete approved alcohol service training. This initiative is intended to:

  • Encourage safer serving practices

  • Improve identification of intoxicated patrons

  • Reduce risk of overserving

  • Support safer environments for residents, visitors, and staff

This applies to bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, college-area establishments, and tourist hotspots across Horry County.

✔️ Venues No Longer Automatically Responsible for 100% of Civil Damages

Previously, South Carolina law sometimes allowed bars and restaurants to be held responsible for 100% of the damages in a drunk-driving lawsuit, even when multiple parties were involved.

Under the new reform, venues are generally limited to 50% of financial responsibility in these civil suits. This change addresses long-standing concerns about unfair liability targeting and restores a more balanced legal standard.

✔️ College-Related Provisions Already in Effect

Portions of the bill involving alcohol service at college-related venues took effect immediately when Governor Henry McMaster signed the law. This is especially relevant in areas near Coastal Carolina University and surrounding student communities.

When Do These Changes Take Effect?

  • Some provisions are already active

  • The most significant reforms begin January 1, 2026

Businesses, workers, and residents should be aware of these changes now so they understand how potential incidents may be handled going forward.

Criminal Consequences Still Remain Serious in Horry County

While this legislation deals largely with insurance and civil liability, it does not reduce or soften criminal charges associated with alcohol-related incidents.

Horry County aggressively prosecutes alcohol-related crimes, especially in high-traffic tourist areas like Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach.

Individuals may still face serious criminal charges including:

If you are arrested or under investigation, you need immediate legal protection.

Chambers Law Defends Individuals Facing Alcohol-Related Criminal Charges

If you are a Horry County resident, visitor, employee, or business owner who is charged in connection with an alcohol-related criminal incident, Chambers Law is here to protect you.

We understand:

  • How alcohol-related arrests impact your future

  • How these laws connect to criminal court outcomes

  • How Myrtle Beach & Horry County courts handle these cases

  • What is truly at stake for your freedom, your record, and your life

Serving Clients Across Horry County & The Grand Strand

We proudly defend clients in:
Myrtle Beach • North Myrtle Beach • Conway • Surfside Beach • Little River
Carolina Forest • Garden City • Socastee • Aynor • Loris • Atlantic Beach

If you are facing alcohol-related criminal charges or believe you may be under investigation, do not wait.

📞 Contact Chambers Law immediately.
We are here to fight for you and defend your rights.

Related Posts

Back To Top