Viva Beverage Law

08/17/2026

Interesting article. The alcohol laws state you can’t sell to someone under 21. To my knowledge, the law doesn’t tell you how you’re supposed to confirm the customer’s age. The best practice is definitely to only accept unexpired IDs, though. The even better practice is to use an ID scanner.

What methods do you use to verify a customer is over 21, and do you think there should be a law that specifies how businesses must verify age?

Can you buy alcohol in SC with an expired driver’s license, even if shows you’re over 21?

08/01/2026

🌟Join us on August 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST for our next webinar about the alcohol laws that went into effect this year. We will talk about:

-mandatory server training 🛎
-liquor liability insurance law changes 📄
-the new ID scanner requirement 💳
-new violation penalties ❎

Reserve your free seat at www.vivabeveragelaw.com/webinar

Up next, on September 2, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST, we will be doing a deep dive on:

-sale to minor violations 👶
-the happy hour law 🥂
-bottle service 🍾
-operating outside restricted hours 🕘

📆We will be hosting a live webinar on the first Wednesday of every month at 1:30 PM. The registration link will list upcoming topics. We welcome topic suggestions in the comments. 👇🏻

Former SCDOR attorney Lauren Acquaviva helps South Carolina restaurants, bars, retailers, and hospitality businesses with alcohol licensing, compliance, and license protection.

07/16/2026

Liquor Liability Insurance premiums still giving you a headache? Keep your eye out for a new insurance program being announced soon!

The South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association (SCBTA) announced Wednesday a new program designed to provide South Carolina hospitality businesses with affordable, industry-specific insurance solutions.

07/09/2026

Did you know that the way South Carolina defines beer, wine, and spirits that a beverage with 0% ABV could still be regulated by the SCDOR and require an alcohol license to sell? With the rise of nonalcoholic beverages, our laws could use some clarifying and updating. Check out this article about the law’s impact on a local business: https://www.postandcourier.com/food/sechey-nonalcoholic-wines-bottle-shop-charleston/article_124ee88e-f6d4-4384-b640-bf211941b203.html?fbclid=IwZnRzaAS878VwZG9mA2ZkaWQWUKPsS-L3pasR04C2Q6oSVAS4f5TGf2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7LvHpz0EEqCTU_vqdu1FAzadpEfqtob6fVmGRywXfztD61xAH4Fugz1a7Z0g_aem_NIcAyUrUx2u7qqlexBN8ow&utm_campaign=mrf-facebook-ThePostandCourier&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202607096a43afc11166b20a5257592d

An Upper King Street store specializing in nonalcoholic wines and cannabis-based beverages is closing. Here's why.

05/22/2026

In the hospitality world, we are trained to check the visible things: Is the silver polished? Are the glasses streak-free? Is the floor swept?
But it’s the invisible checklist that determines if you’ll still be in business next year. Now that the May 1st enforcement phase is in full swing, "I didn't know" is no longer a winning argument when SLED walks through the door.

If your checklist has empty boxes, you’re not just being "busy", you’re operating at a high risk. SipSecure was designed to be your permanent administrative safety net. We handle the tracking, the technicalities, and the renewals so that your bar stays a place for hospitality, not a courtroom example.

How healthy is your license? Schedule a risk review with me today at the link in our bio.

05/20/2026

We built SipSecure to take this weight off your shoulders. We don't just send reminders; we handle the renewals, applications, and verification for you, so your "DOR Verified" status is a reality, not a guess.
Want to see where your risks are? Schedule a call with me. No big legal words—just total clarity on what needs your attention so you can stay open and stay out of trouble.

05/18/2026

Most bar and restaurant owners think they’ll lose their alcohol license because of a massive brawl or a headline-grabbing scandal . But the reality is usually much more annoying—and way more expensive. Compliance isn't about being "good" or "bad"—it's about being technical . Don’t let a paperwork error derail your business.

04/15/2026

With the new alcohol server training deadline just around the corner, don't leave your business at risk for fines.

If you're a license holder in South Carolina, here are 3 things you need to do before May 1st

Keep your business compliant and your pockets full! 💸

04/14/2026

The state is cracking down, and the penalty for uncertified servers is $500 per violation.

The good news? The deadline was just extended to May 1, 2026, so you have some breathing room to get it done!

Check out the link in our bio!

04/13/2026

The deadline to complete your mandatory alcohol server training has been extended to May 1, 2026.
If you work 10+ hours a week serving alcohol or manage a team that does, make sure you're certified to avoid those hefty fines ($500 per violation!)