South Carolina Senate Bill S0355

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Refer: 2/18/25

Caption

Micro-distillery tastings

Impact

The passage of S0355 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing the alcohol industry by modifying the existing regulations around tastings and retail sales for licensed micro-distilleries. By defining the permissible hours for tastings and retail sales and the quantity of liquor that can be sold to individual consumers, the bill aims to create a more structured environment for alcohol sales while still ensuring responsible consumption. Notably, it allows micro-distilleries to charge for tours but restricts the amount of liquor an individual can taste, potentially increasing local compliance with alcohol safety regulations.

Summary

S0355 is a legislative bill aimed at amending sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws pertaining to micro-distilleries and manufacturers regarding tastings and retail sales of alcoholic liquors on their licensed premises. The bill outlines specific allowances for tastings, tying them to the requirement of consumers taking a tour of the premises, and establishes a protocol to verify the age of consumers. This amendment seeks to clarify the relationship between tastings and consumer tours, enhancing the consumer experience while allowing micro-distilleries to promote their products effectively.

Contention

Potential points of contention associated with S0355 include the implications for public health and safety. Critics may raise concerns about the effectiveness of linking tastings to tours in ensuring responsible alcohol consumption, as this could lead to issues such as excessive consumption during tours. Furthermore, there may be debates on the economic impacts for local businesses, especially regarding how the changes could either facilitate or hinder small distillers in South Carolina who rely on tastings as a key part of their promotional strategies. The balance between legislative oversight and business autonomy in liquor sales may also spark discussions among lawmakers.