The financial strain caused by escalating prices on liquor liability licenses continues to impact small businesses across South Carolina, resulting in closures for some establishments in the Midlands. This situation has prompted numerous citizens to call for legislative intervention and reform.
Sheila Merck, Director of Operations & Communications at SC Venue Crisis, emphasized that the issue extends beyond individual bars, restaurants, and music venues, stating, “This is about more than bars, restaurants, and music venues. This is about South Carolina’s economy.”
Merck has been in contact with numerous businesses statewide through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Notable local establishments, such as New Brookland Tavern and WECO Bottle and Biergarten, have reported substantial increases in their insurance costs.
“It’s every single business in South Carolina that’s being affected by liability insurance, and our legislators can do something about it,” Merck asserted.
The economic impact is becoming increasingly evident, with establishments like Henry’s in Cayce announcing their closure on Facebook during the weekend of January 7. Merck pointed out that such closures underscore the severity of the problem, warning of potential dire financial consequences for the state if the issue is not promptly addressed.
“We have multiple people in the legislation that understand this is an issue,” Merck stated. “If it’s not taken care of soon, our state is really going to be in a bad situation financially.”
In response to these challenges, SC Venue Crisis has planned a Tort Reform Rally outside the statehouse, advocating for support and relief for small businesses affected by the insurance increases. Although the rally was initially scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, it was postponed due to inclement weather conditions. The rally aims to bring attention to the urgent need for reform and support for South Carolina’s struggling small businesses.
