South Carolina House Passes Alcohol Delivery and Curbside Pickup Legislation
In a landmark regulatory move, the South Carolina House of Representatives has given approval to a bill permitting the delivery and curbside pickup of alcoholic beverages. This measure sees South Carolina aligning with over 30 other American states that already provide alcohol access through these methods.
Modernizing Alcohol Sales in South Carolina
Bill H.4364’s primary proponents assert that it represents a significant update to the way alcohol sales are conducted within the state. Representative Gil Gatch from Dorchester County shared during the House debate, “This bill will modernize South Carolina’s alcohol sales to offer the convenience customers have come to expect.”
Following this convenience-focused argument was Representative Weston Newton from Beaufort County, the bill’s lead sponsor. He, in fact, held up two bottles of bourbon that he had purchased online from out of state and delivered to his South Carolina law offices—circumventing both the state’s regulations and taxation—a scene that perfectly framed the need for regulatory updates.
Controversy Amid Potential Alcohol Abuse and Underage Consumption
Despite a healthy array of supporters, the bill was not without its critics. Representative John McCravy from Greenwood County expressed concerns that the new legislation could exacerbate issues such as alcohol abuse and underage drinking. He painted an illustrative image, stating, “It’s like a bunch of kids are going to get together, and they’re going to get their senile granddaddy to call them in some liquor, and then when it gets to the house, the senile granddaddy’s going to be pushed to the door, and they’re going to get their liquor.”
Bill supporters, however, were quick to rebut these apprehensions by underscoring the regulatory steps included in the legislation to prevent such scenarios. The foundational safeguards include the obligation to verify the customer’s age through a valid ID, restricting deliveries to the same zip code or neighboring ones as the retail establishment, and limiting delivery hours to coincide with standard in-store purchase times. Judging by the statewide vote of 77-29, these safeguards seem to have addressed the vast majority of concerns.
Next Steps for the Alcohol Delivery and Curbside Pickup Bill
The bill will now move to the South Carolina Senate for consideration. It should be noted that a similar bill has already passed through a Senate committee, although it has been obstructed by ongoing Republican opposition since last year. Whether this counterpart bill overcomes its current roadblocks will significantly determine the future of alcohol delivery and curbside pickup in the state.
In the meantime, South Carolinians wait with bated breath to see if the convenience of alcohol delivery and curbside pickup they were granted temporarily during the pandemic, can once again become a reality.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
