CAYCE, SC – A Cayce restaurant says it will close its doors by the end of January due to rising costs associated with previously required insurance.
Henry’s of Cayce on State Street announced Sunday that it will close its doors due to the increased cost of liquor liability.
“We would like to thank all of our past and current employees for their loyalty, dedication and hard work. Without you, we would not have been successful for nearly seven years,” the restaurant said in a Facebook announcement. “We would also like to thank all of our loyal followers and sponsors who have supported us over the years.”
The restaurant also thanked the City of Cayce, Mayor Elise Partin, and the Cayce Police and Fire Departments for their support.
The restaurant did not have a specific closing date but invited members to visit in its final weeks.
The post concluded with Bennett Brown and Henry Lees signing: “We are grateful and appreciative for all your support over the years.”
Impact of the 2017 law on bars in South Carolina
Although not directly mentioned in the post, restaurants and bars in the state have questioned a law signed in 2017 that requires businesses with liquor licenses to secure at least $1 million in coverage. As WLTX’s Becky Budds previously reported, the law is intended to protect drunk driving victims and their families.
However, opponents of the bill say that, combined with higher insurance rates, it has instead led to higher prices and the closure of bars.
House Bill 4529, called the South Carolina Save Our Places Act, was introduced in 2023 and referred to the Judiciary Committee where it remains. The bill, also scheduled for the 2023-2024 session, would prevent businesses from being held liable for injury, death or damage caused by a person who becomes excessively intoxicated as long as the business does not continue to sell alcohol to that person after a period of time. Reasonable level.
However, supporters of the law, such as Sen. Dick Harpootlian, said in a 2023 Pods interview that the law should not be changed — instead suggesting that advocates hold insurance companies accountable.
“If insurance companies decide to withdraw from offering this type of coverage, our Department of Insurance should follow Florida’s example and restrict its ability to underwrite other types of insurance here,” he said.
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