Subcommittee advances bill 34‑97 to revise liquor‑liability rules; adds DUI penalties and server‑training mandate

The Constitutional Law Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee voted to adopt Amendment 1 and gave a favorable report to bill 34‑97, a measure that would revise South Carolina’s liquor‑liability framework and add new DUI penalties and training requirements.

The move came after testimony from Sean Blake, an attorney in Columbia representing the Responsible Hospitality Reform Association, and extensive debate among subcommittee members. Amendment 1 was adopted by voice vote and the subcommittee later recorded a roll call producing a favorable report with four votes in favor and one not voting.

Why it matters: Supporters say the changes aim to stabilize insurance markets for restaurants and other hospitality businesses while preserving remedies for people injured by intoxicated drivers or over‑service. Opponents and some witnesses warned the drafting details — especially how policy limits are described — could unintentionally change available policy forms and affect rates.

Sean Blake said stakeholders representing restaurants, nightlife venues and other hospitality businesses negotiated compromise language intended to address insurers’ concerns and preserve injured parties’ tort remedies. "We have come up with compromise language that really addresses every concern that we believe affects the stakeholders today," Blake testified.

The amendment…