Senate debate on S.244 focuses on dram-shop rules, joint-and-several liability and insurance changes

The South Carolina Senate spent an extended period debating S.244, a comprehensive tort‑reform bill that would recodify liquor‑liability (dram‑shop) law, add mandatory alcohol‑server training, change joint‑and‑several liability rules and permit juries to record nonparty fault on verdict forms.

The bill was explained to the chamber by Senator Johnson, the senator from York, who said the measure "amends the joint and several liability statute, so that non parties are put on the verdict form" and that it "codifies the dram shop law" while adding a requirement that licensees carry $1,000,000 in liquor‑liability coverage per occurrence. Johnson also described a server‑training program and a $50 fee for initial certification and a five‑year recertification cycle.

Why it matters: Supporters say the package is intended to rebalance liability so businesses pay for the harm they cause and to restore competition in the insurance market by lowering perceived risk for carriers. Opponents warn the bill could limit plaintiffs’ recoveries in some cases and create procedural openings that shift fault to parties who are not defendants in a suit.

Key provisions and debate

Dram shop and server training: The bill would define "visible intoxication" and create a civil…