The bill H. 3497 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to strengthen liquor liability insurance requirements and establish a comprehensive alcohol server training program. It mandates that establishments selling alcohol for on-premises consumption maintain a minimum liquor liability insurance coverage of one million dollars, with the option to qualify for reduced coverage through a liquor liability risk mitigation program. This program incentivizes responsible alcohol service by offering reductions in required coverage for establishments that complete an alcohol server training course or limit alcohol sales. The bill also introduces a new chapter dedicated to alcohol server training, detailing the requirements for obtaining an alcohol server certificate and the responsibilities of the Department of Revenue in approving training programs and maintaining certification records.

Additionally, the bill outlines the content that must be included in training programs, such as state laws and methods for identifying intoxicated individuals, and requires that these programs be offered free of charge. It specifies that the Department of Revenue must issue and renew alcohol server certificates at no cost for qualifying applicants who have completed the necessary training. The bill also emphasizes the need for permittees or licensees to provide proof of valid alcohol server certificates for themselves and their staff during the relevant permit or license period. It reinforces existing laws prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated individuals and establishes penalties for violations, with the act set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220
03/05/2025: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220
03/06/2025: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220
03/10/2025: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220
03/12/2025: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220
04/15/2025: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220
Latest Version: 38-90-20, 61-2-60, 61-2-145, 61-6-2220