What are SC liquor laws? What to know for spring break and Bike Week in Myrtle Beach area
With spring break, Spring Bike Week and Black Bike Week, there are many reasons to party in Myrtle Beach before summer begins.
But if your party includes a bottle of liquor or a six-pack of beer, you shouldn’t begin drinking without knowing these South Carolina and city alcohol laws.
Liquor stores are not allowed to sell beer. South Carolina liquor permits only allow the sale of spirits and wines with less than 21% alcohol.
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcohol. There are no legal age restrictions for entering bars, but some establishments may add age restrictions.
Liquor store hours are typically from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Horry County allows liquor stores to apply for a license to open on Sunday so some may be open seven days a week.
At grocery stores and convenience stores, you can buy beer and wine 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, you need to buy your liquor at a licensed liquor store.
The consumption of alcohol is banned on all city and county beaches across the Myrtle Beach area. This includes North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet. If you are caught drinking on the beach, you could face a $500 fine.
You cannot have an open container of alcohol in your vehicle unless it is located in the trunk or the luggage compartment of your car, according to South Carolina law.
Myrtle Beach prohibits the possession of opened containers of alcohol along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, unless you are at a restaurant.
In general, drinking in public or on government-owned property is forbidden across Horry and Georgetown counties.
When drinking at bars or illegally on the beach, keep yourself and your friends in check. Myrtle Beach and surrounding cities and counties can arrest or fine you for disorderly conduct or public intoxication.
