What Time Can You Buy Beer in South Carolina? Full Guide
Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Although South Carolina is far from the top of having the most craft breweries in the country, I’m still amazed at the wide variety of beers available there.
Between free tastings in different stores and sipping a cold brew while grocery shopping, I asked employees and owners some crucial questions.
But first, what time can you buy beer in South Carolina?
When Can You Buy Beer In South Carolina?
In South Carolina, many counties can sell beer anytime in off-premise locations like convenience and grocery stores, from Monday through Saturday.
“With more breweries opening in South Carolina, that’s more money that we’re keeping here and less we’re having to bring in from Georgia, North Carolina, or Florida.” – Tony Brown, Sales Director
Sundays are subject to the local law. The earliest they sell alcohol in South Carolina for on-site drinking would be at 9 a.m., and the latest is until 2 a.m.
South Carolina Beer Laws
Despite having a lower alcohol content than other alcoholic drinks, there are still laws you need to follow if you want to drink beer in South Carolina.
South Carolina has no dry counties. The state senate has already addressed a bill to allow curbside pick-up or delivery of alcoholic beverages, like beer.
Places That Sell Beer & Their Sale Hours
Grocery Stores
On-Premise
Does the idea of grocery shopping while sipping a refreshing cold beer excite you? Well, it’s a thrilling experience for me in Lexington, South Carolina. The beer sales hours are between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Off-Premise
But if you plan to consume alcohol at home, some areas are allowed to sell beer for 24 hours.
Also Read:
- When To Buy Beer In Oklahoma
- When To Buy Beer In Colorado
- When To Buy Beer In Tennessee
- When To Buy Beer In Michigan
- When To Buy Beer In Washington
Gas Stations
On-Premise
If you can’t make it to grocery stores, a gas station (with a convenience store) can sell beer from 9 a.m., but with varying closing times. Some gas stations are open 24/7, while others would close as early as 7 p.m.
Off-Premise
Some gas stations are allowed 24/7 beer selling for off-premise consumption. But remember that it is illegal to consume alcohol while inside your car.
You may be arrested for a DUI case where the first offense can already land you in jail [1].
Bars & Restaurants
On-Premise
Bars and restaurants may vary in counties and cities, but the latest they can serve beer for on-premises consumption is at 2 a.m. Monday through Friday.
They may stop selling a little earlier on Saturday, and they may be closed on Sunday.
Off-Premise
Bars and restaurants in South Carolina would usually serve alcohol for on-premises consumption.
As a response to the COVID pandemic, South Carolina allowed restaurants to deliver alcohol to consumers temporarily but as a part of a meal. The delivery can only be done during the operating hours.
Package & Liquor Stores
On-Premise
Liquor or package stores may not usually allow on-premises alcohol consumption, but they are open between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Off-Premise
We’ve visited liquor stores with different entrances for their beer section, and they may stay open beyond the usual 9 p.m. restriction.
However, it is illegal for businesses to sell alcoholic beverages to someone below the minimum drinking age of 21 [2].
Breweries & Taprooms
On-Premise
From Monday to Saturday, breweries and taprooms sell alcoholic drinks between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m., depending on the local law.
Off-Premise
If you have growlers available, you can take it and refill it at breweries. The operating hours may vary, but they are usually available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.
Read: What Time Can You Buy Beer In New York?
What Counties Can You Buy Beer On Sunday In South Carolina?
South Carolina’s counties like Georgetown, Charleston, York, Horry, Darlington, Beaufort, and the unincorporated areas of Richland allowed Sunday sales of beer.
“Exploring the burgeoning craft beer scene in South Carolina is a treat, and breweries and taprooms offer unique experiences.” – Liquor Laboratory
Cities in Lancaster and Lexington with referendums can also have Sunday sales of alcohol for on and off-premise consumption.
FAQs
What time can you buy beer on Sunday in South Carolina?
On Sundays, you can buy beers in South Carolina from 12 a.m. until 2 a.m. Or, depending on a local law, you can buy later on Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
These beer sales hours only apply to establishments with proper licenses to sell alcohol on Sundays.
Is it still dry on Sundays in South Carolina?
Technically, it is not completely dry on Sundays in South Carolina. Although Sunday alcohol sales are banned statewide, some counties passed laws permitting Sunday beer and wine selling.
Can you buy beer 24/7 in South Carolina?
Yes, you can purchase beer 24/7 in South Carolina, but in limited counties and cities only. It would be wise to check the schedule of local alcohol laws, especially during holidays.
In Conclusion
While South Carolina has more relaxed beer laws and no dry counties, it’s still illegal for someone below the minimum drinking age of 21 to drink alcohol.
If you like traveling like me, being a responsible driver and drinker is a must. South Carolina has strict open container laws, and if you’re caught driving with a 0.15% BAC level, you will not only end up with a license suspension.
The first offense may cause up to 30 days imprisonment, while the second offense can last up to one year.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dui/south-carolina-dui-laws/
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-laws
