Starting Today, South Carolina Bars, Restaurants Can Sell Alcohol Past 11 P.M. Again

On Friday, February 26, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced that starting Monday, March 1, bars and restaurants are once more allowed to sell alcohol until 2 a.m. That’s right — this very evening, customers can order a pint of beer, glass of wine, or shot of Fernet past the former 11 p.m. restriction, which was implemented on July 11, 2020.

Many restaurateurs and bar owners are excited to welcome back the three extra hours in revenue. Establishments are allowed to seat customers at 100 percent capacity, but the mask ordinance is still in place.

Owner of cocktail bar Proof, Craig Nelson, says that he will keep his place at 50 percent capacity, but says that being able to stay open until 2 a.m. will greatly increase his sales. He also says that he’s excited to see food and beverage workers back at his bar. With the former 11 p.m. ban on alcohol sales, many hospitality workers didn’t have time to make it out to bars after the end of their shifts.

Will you be out until 2 a.m. tonight?

• McMaster lifts restrictions on late-night restaurant, bar alcohol sales, large gatherings [WRAL5]