South Carolina lawmakers began their discussion on how to address problems with alcohol liability on Wednesday. The problem has led to the closure of many bars and music venues across the state. Experts and professionals from multiple backgrounds testified. They ranged from a personal injury lawyer, a bar/restaurant owner, and a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In this room today and all the citizens of South Carolina,” said Keith Benjamin, owner of Sharehouse, Bodega and Uptown Social. This all stems from a bill passed in 2017 called the Dram Shop Bill. The bill requires businesses that serve alcoholic beverages to have a $1 million liability policy. This eventually caused insurance rates to skyrocket. Some speakers pointed to laws in other states that have changed how someone is considered negligent as a possible solution. “I think what you have known or should have known and knowingly served is to kick that up a notch,” said Castle McVeigh personal injury attorney, Thiel McVeigh. Others point to the lack of competition in insurance providers across the state. “We had 47 carriers two years ago. We have three that we’re seeing policies written right now,” said Jonathan Kish, a Lowcountry Hospitality Association representative. However, some fear that by changing the law on dram shops, they will harm people on the other side of this issue is the victims of drunk driving. “These and those are the same people who will suffer more victims if the other side succeeds in their endeavors,” encouraged MADD representative Kimberly Cockrell. Cockrell encouraged committee members to remember the victims as they work to find a solution. “You may be the next to contact my agency for services,” Cockrell said. The subcommittee is expected to meet again in the near future and people who wish to speak are encouraged to register. Time and date not specified.
South Carolina lawmakers began their discussion on how to address problems with alcohol liability on Wednesday. The problem has led to the closure of many bars and music venues across the state.
Experts and professionals from multiple backgrounds testified. They ranged from a personal injury attorney, a bar/restaurant owner, and a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“I care about good governance. That’s all we’re asking for. Good governance that makes all of this palatable to everyone in this room today and to all the citizens of South Carolina,” owner of Sharehouse, Bodega and Uptown Social. said Keith Benjamin.
This all stems from a bill passed in 2017 called the Dram Shop Bill. The bill requires businesses that serve alcoholic beverages to have a $1 million liability policy. This eventually caused insurance rates to skyrocket.
Some speakers pointed to laws in other states that have changed how someone is considered negligent as a possible solution.
“I think what you have you know or should have known, and knowingly serving raises that to a little higher level,” Castle McVeigh personal injury attorney, Thel McVeigh.
Others point to the lack of competition in insurance providers across the state.
“We had 47 carriers two years ago. We have three that we’re seeing policies written now,” said Jonathan Kish, a Lowcountry Hospitality Association representative.
However, some fear that by changing the law on dram shops, they will hurt the people on the other side of this issue, the victims of drunk driving.
“These and those are the same people who will fall victim to more victims if the other side succeeds in their endeavors,” said MADD representative Kimberly Cockrell.
Cockrell encouraged committee members to remember the victims as they work to find a solution.
“You may be the next to contact my agency for services,” Cockrell said.
The subcommittee is expected to meet again in the near future, and people who wish to speak are encouraged to register. Time and date not specified.