South Carolina Liquor Liability Insurance - Let us find your best coverage - for SC bars, taverns and restaurants
South Carolina requires bars, taverns, restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry $1 million in liquor liability coverage, and few carriers still write it. Send us a few details or start the online application and we will shop 50+ carriers for your best rate – no cost, no obligation. Prefer to talk? Call 800-616-3490.
South Carolina Liquor Liability Quote Request
Applicant Information:
Have these handy
- SC ABL license number and type
- Annual alcohol and food receipts
- Closing time and last call
- SCDOR-approved server training certificates
- ID scanner details (if used)
- Five years of loss runs
Related coverage
What South Carolina liquor liability coverage includes
South Carolina Code §61-2-145 requires businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption that are open after 5 p.m. to carry liquor liability insurance, or general liability with a liquor liability endorsement, with $1 million in total coverage. Since January 1, 2026, licensees can lower the required amount with state-approved risk-reduction steps, down to $300,000. Proof is filed with the SC Department of Revenue on an ACORD 25 certificate.
- Dram shop claims - Injuries caused by a patron you served or sold to.
- Defense costs - Attorney fees to defend a liquor lawsuit.
- Assault and battery option - Add-on for fights involving intoxicated guests.
- Additional insureds - Landlords and event hosts added as required.
- Employee serving errors - Over-service or serving minors by your staff.
- SCDOR proof of coverage - We issue the ACORD 25 certificate the state requires.
Good to know: ending alcohol service by midnight lowers the required amount by $250,000, and SCDOR-approved server training, alcohol under 40% of sales or a forensic ID scanner each lower it by $100,000. Carriers rate on alcohol receipts, so have an honest split of liquor, beer and wine sales.
Not covered: intentional serving to minors in some cases, assault and battery unless endorsed, and employee injuries.
Insurance Application:
Liquor LiabilityBegin Application for LL Begin Application for LL and GL
Required forms
Liquor Liability Supplemental Application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it online
Hospitality supplements (add any that apply)
Bar / Tavern (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it online
Restaurant (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it online
Brewery / Brewpub (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it online
Special Event Liability (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it online
Download, complete and email to quote@societiesinsurance.com, or attach them with your quote request. More options are listed below.
Prefer to talk?
- Toll-Free: 800-616-3490
- East Coast: 706-550-4418
- West Coast: 206-755-0101
- info@societiesinsurance.com
- Mon-Fri 8:00am - 6:00pm, Sat 9:00am - 12:00pm
South Carolina liquor liability
Why liquor liability is hard to find in South Carolina
For years, South Carolina’s joint and several liability rules could leave a bar or restaurant paying an entire jury verdict even when it was only partly at fault. Many carriers stopped writing liquor liability in the state, and those that stayed raised premiums sharply. At the same time, state law requires most businesses that serve alcohol at night to carry it.
Declined, non-renewed or facing a big increase? We shop 50+ carriers, including specialty markets for hard-to-place South Carolina bars, taverns, restaurants and nightclubs. Request a quote or start the online application above and we will put your risk in front of the right markets.
The law
What South Carolina requires
Who must carry it
- Businesses licensed to sell beer, wine or liquor for on-premises consumption that are open after 5 p.m.
- $1 million in total coverage, with per-occurrence limits of at least half the total
- A liquor liability policy, or general liability with a liquor liability endorsement
- Proof filed with the SC Department of Revenue on an ACORD 25 certificate
Ways to lower the required amount (from January 1, 2026)
- Stop serving alcohol by midnight: $250,000 less
- All servers complete SCDOR-approved training: $100,000 less
- Alcohol under 40% of total sales: $100,000 less
- Forensic ID scanner used from midnight to 4 a.m.: $100,000 less
- Required coverage cannot drop below $300,000 for a permanent license
2026 reform
What changed with H.3430
South Carolina’s 2025 tort reform law (H.3430) took effect January 1, 2026. Carriers are watching how it plays out, and a complete application that shows your risk controls is the best way to get competitive quotes.
Fault-based damages
A defendant found less than 50% at fault pays only its own share of the verdict.
Fault for others
Juries can assign fault to people who are not defendants, including parties who settled.
DUI cases
When a co-defendant was charged with DUI, the license holder’s share is capped at 50% of actual damages.
Server training
Servers and managers complete an SCDOR-approved alcohol course, with certificates kept on site.
Questions
South Carolina liquor liability FAQ
Do I need liquor liability insurance in South Carolina?
If you hold an on-premises beer, wine or liquor license and are open after 5 p.m., state law requires it. Landlords and lenders often require it too.
How much coverage do I need?
The standard requirement is $1 million in total coverage. Qualifying risk-reduction steps can lower it, but not below $300,000 for a permanent license.
How do I prove coverage to the state?
Your agent issues an ACORD 25 certificate with the SC Department of Revenue as certificate holder. Mitigation factors are reported through MyDORWAY.
Can you help if another carrier declined me?
Yes. We shop admitted and specialty carriers that write South Carolina hospitality businesses. Approval and pricing depend on your operations and loss history.
South Carolina businesses
Coverage for your type of business
Bar / Tavern
Bars and taverns.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it onlineRestaurant
Restaurants that serve alcohol.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it onlineNightclub
Nightclubs and lounges.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it onlineBrewery / Brewpub
Breweries, brewpubs and taprooms.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it onlineWinery
Wineries and tasting rooms.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it onlineCatering
Caterers serving alcohol.
Get a quote Supplemental application (PDF)Want to save and finish later? Complete it onlineGeneral overview based on S.C. Code §61-2-145 and SC Department of Revenue guidance. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the SCDOR. Coverage, availability and pricing vary by carrier and policy, and the policy itself controls. Questions? Call 800-616-3490.