SC Senate tries to amend bill to almost replicate House liquor liability bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – Several weeks have gone by and there is still a giant question mark when it comes to Senate bill 244.

Under current South Carolina state law, if someone is harmed in a crime or accident, anyone who contributed could have to pay to cover damages.

Supporters of this bill said they want changes to protect people’s financial livelihoods by limiting the amount that can be awarded in civil suits.

Today, the Senate debated an amendment to the bill to try to simplify it.

“That’s the duty of this body; to find coalitions when you can find them,” Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R – Georgetown) said.

Instead of focusing on civil lawsuits for individuals it’s focus shifted to liquor liability for South Carolina bars and restaurants. Right now, every bar and restaurant that sells alcohol must carry $1 million of insurance coverage, which lawmakers said has forced many bars and restaurants to close.

“You want to go home with something I know you do, I do too let’s not go home with nothing. We’re at a real risk here of going home with nothing,” Goldfinch said.

But Senator Michael Johnson (R – York) said if the amendment is passed, it would end the discussion on civil suits, which is also an important issue.

“If we amend the bill to the house version as is, we’re going to miss the opportunity to do so much more and accomplish many more things as a body,” Johnson said.

Johnson said it is important to protect bars and restaurants as well as individuals, so we should discuss this bill as a whole.

“To make sure that we held bars and restaurants who are overserving and serving minors alcohol. That we held those bars and restaurants accountable,” Johnson said.

Senator Goldfinch said he has spoken to bars and restaurant and they said it is crucial the Senate pass liquor liability quickly.