South Carolina: Are happy hour drink specials legal?
South Carolina allows discounted drinks only from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and bans free, below-half-price, and two-for-one drinks.
State law lets on-premises licensees sell liquor, beer and wine below the regular price only between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Drinks may never be free, priced below half the regular price, or sold two or more for the price of one. Limited exceptions to the free-drink ban cover a drink for a single customer, fraternal fundraisers, private functions, and up to two licensee-sponsored functions a year with state approval. Violations are misdemeanors.
Conditions
- Discounts only from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- No free drinks (limited exceptions)
- No drinks below half the regular price
- No two-for-one or multiple-for-one offers
What the law says
No person who holds a biennial license to sell alcoholic liquors for on-premises consumption may advertise, sell, or dispense these beverages for free, at a price less than one-half of the price regularly charged, or on a two or more for the price of one basis. Alcoholic liquors may be sold at a price less than the price regularly charged from four o'clock p.m. until eight o'clock p.m. only.
Sources
- S.C. Code § 61-6-4550 (Discount prices, liquor) Official · scstatehouse.gov
- S.C. Code § 61-4-160 (Discount prices, beer and wine) Official · scstatehouse.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- South Carolina Department of Revenue, Alcohol Beverage Licensing
- Phone
- 803-898-5864
- Website
- dor.sc.gov
How bordering states compare
- Georgia AllowedGeorgia has no state rule limiting happy hour drink prices at bars and restaurants; local rules may apply.
- North Carolina Happy hour bannedNorth Carolina bans happy hour drink pricing; a drink discount must last a full business day and apply to every customer.
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