803.937.5055 | 370 St. Paul Street | Orangeburg, SC 29115
803.937.5055 | 370 St. Paul Street | Orangeburg, SC 29115
Dram Shop / Alcohol Liability
Most people know that a drunk driver can be held responsible for the harm they cause. Whatโs less well known is that South Carolina law also allows victims, in certain circumstances, to pursue the bar, restaurant, or liquor store that kept serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or sold alcohol to a minor. These claims, often called โdram shopโ cases, can open up an additional path to compensation.
At The Williams Firm, we help Orangeburg-area victims investigate whether negligent alcohol service contributed to their injuries, and pursue every available avenue for compensation.
Hurt by someone who was over-served? Contact The Williams Firm today for a free consultation*.
South Carolina law, S.C. Code ยง 61-4-580, prohibits selling or giving alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated, and to anyone under the age of 21. When a bar, restaurant, or store violates this law and that over-service contributes to someoneโs injuries, the victim may have a negligence claim against the business in addition to any claim against the intoxicated individual.
Establishments and their insurers fight dram shop claims aggressively, in part because liquor liability insurance and the businessโs reputation are both on the line. Building a strong case typically requires:
South Carolinaโs general three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims applies to most dram shop cases. Because key evidence like surveillance footage is often deleted quickly, prompt action is especially important in these cases.
You donโt have to face the aftermath of an injury connected to over-service of alcohol alone. At The Williams Firm, weโll listen to what happened, explain your options in plain language, and handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on getting better.
Contact The Williams Firm today for a free consultation*. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Can I pursue a claim against the bar even if I also have a claim against the drunk driver?
Yes. Dram shop claims and claims against the intoxicated individual often proceed together. Pursuing both potentially responsible parties can help ensure you have access to all available compensation.
What if the bar says they didnโt know the person was intoxicated?
We investigate what staff saw and served, including receipts, tabs, and any available surveillance footage, to determine whether the signs of intoxication should have been apparent to the establishment.
Does this law apply to private parties, not just bars and restaurants?
South Carolinaโs alcohol liability law is primarily aimed at licensed establishments that sell alcohol. Liability for private hosts is more limited and depends heavily on the specific facts, particularly when alcohol is served to a minor.
What if I was the one who had been drinking and got hurt?
You may still have a claim, depending on the circumstances and South Carolinaโs comparative negligence rules. We can review the details of what happened to determine your options.
How do I prove the bar over-served someone?
Evidence often includes receipts or tabs showing how much alcohol was purchased, surveillance footage, and witness statements from other patrons or staff describing the personโs visible level of intoxication.
What if the establishment has since closed?
A business closing doesnโt necessarily eliminate your ability to recover compensation. Liquor liability insurance policies often remain available to cover claims tied to incidents that occurred while the business was operating.
