Waiver of Distance Requirements for On Premises Consumption of Liquor
Ever wonder why bars, restaurants and hotels that serve liquor aren’t located near schools, churches or playgrounds?
Historically, state law has prevented the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) from granting liquor licenses to applicants located within 300 feet of a school, church or playground within a municipality or located within 500 feet of a school, church or playground outside of a municipality.
In fact, the SCDOR’s hands were tied even if a school, church or playground was willing to permit establishments to serve liquor.
While the distance restrictions still apply to schools, legislation passed in 2014 (61-6-120(C)) now allows the SCDOR to issue liquor licenses to applicants desiring to locate near a church or playground as long as the church or playground administrators do not object. Applicants and churches or playgrounds must sign an affidavit, ABL Form 956, waiving the distance requirements.
Hopefully, the flexibility provided by the new legislation permits all parties concerned to communicate openly from the beginning and foster communal bonds built on cooperation.
