SC's new ABL Rules for Bars & Taverns
Date postedMarch 9, 2026
Tort Reform and Liquor Liability, H3430, was signed into law in May 2025 for the state of South Carolina and brought significant changes to any business serving alcohol for on-premise consumption. The law was initially set to have enforcement of the alcohol service training portion begin Mar 2, 2026 - but due to the overwhelming usage and delays in their system, legislators passed a resolution on Feb 27 extending this deadline to May 1.
The SCDOR-approved alcohol server training is mandated for alcohol servers working 10 or more hours per week – as well as managers overseeing alcohol service. The training must be completed within 30 days of employment. You must use one of the 3 approved programs listed here.
The law also introduces strict enforcement and penalties. Businesses that fail to maintain server certificates, allow uncertified employees to serve alcohol, or permit impaired staff to work face escalating fines and potential license suspensions. Additional penalties apply for serving underage or intoxicated patrons, running drinking games, permitting improper entertainment, or allowing other prohibited activities on licensed premises.
The law now requires that establishments operating between 12 - 4 a.m. use approved forensic digital ID verification systems to scan and validate customer IDs. Visual checks alone are no longer enough.
The law also introduces strict enforcement and penalties. Businesses that fail to maintain server certificates, allow uncertified employees to serve alcohol, or permit impaired staff to work face escalating fines and potential license suspensions. Additional penalties apply for serving underage or intoxicated patrons, running drinking games, permitting improper entertainment, or allowing other prohibited activities on licensed premises.
The law now requires that establishments operating between 12 - 4 a.m. use approved forensic digital ID verification systems to scan and validate customer IDs. Visual checks alone are no longer enough.
Learn more about the new ABL laws via a webinar hosted by Lowcountry Local First member, Viva Beverage Law, on March 11, 2026. Sign up today.
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