Downtown Charleston business owners, like Roy Neal of El Jefe Texican Cantina, criticize South Carolina’s current law mandating $1 million insurance policies for alcohol-serving establishments. They argue it unfairly holds bars fully liable even for a patron’s first drink if an incident follows, regardless of drinks consumed elsewhere.​
New Legislation Changes
Effective January 1, 2026, the updated law introduces joint and several liability, capping responsibility at 50% for businesses unless they provided all drinks. Businesses can further reduce premiums by stopping alcohol sales after midnight or using forensic ID scanners from midnight to 4 a.m.​
Ongoing Concerns
Neal views the reforms as progress but urges further adjustments for fairness, citing high insurance costs burdening local owners. This reflects broader Lowcountry efforts to balance public safety with economic viability for hospitality venues.
