House advances resolution to extend alcohol-server training deadline to May 1, 2026; vote 98–0

The South Carolina House of Representatives advanced a joint resolution extending the deadline for mandatory alcohol-server training under Chapter 3, Title 61 — the state’s liquor liability reform — to May 1, 2026.

Representative Weston Newton, who spoke for the measure, said the extension responds to implementation problems at the Department of Revenue. "This is an effort to push that deadline out to give the folks the opportunity to be trained, so they won't be in violation of the law," Newton said, describing limits in DOR's online training capacity.

Newton said lawmakers had discussed longer extensions but agreed on a 60‑day window to preserve the law’s intended effect of triggering insurance premium reductions. "The problem with extending to a longer time frame...is the insurance companies are not responding," he said, adding that insurers have not yet offered premium discounts because the workforce has not completed training.

During questioning, Representative Kirby sought clarification on outreach: "How are the restaurant and bar owners being communicated with in terms of getting this information so they'd know what to do?" Newton responded that DOR has the capability to send a blast email and that the House would ask DOR to notify licensees once the resolution advances to the Senate.

Representative Williams asked who set the new date. Newton said the House and senators working yesterday settled on a 60‑day extension and that the Senate could revisit the date if necessary. Representative King asked whether there is a mechanism to set a later date if needed while the legislature is not in session; Newton said choosing May 1 keeps the matter within the session so lawmakers could act.

With no further questions, the House closed the roll and recorded a vote of 98 in favor and none opposed, advancing House Bill 5261 to second reading; Representative Newton requested that the bill receive third reading tomorrow.

The resolution cites Chapter 3, Title 61 (liquor liability reform) as its statutory basis and directs agency communication steps to inform licensees of the new deadline. The bill does not change the underlying training requirement; it only postpones the compliance deadline to allow DOR to stand up training and for businesses to complete required instruction.

The House is scheduled to consider third reading on the measure tomorrow.