In the past, "dram shops" referred to bars and liquor stores that sold small quantities of whiskey or liquor. The issue arose when patrons, who had been served at these establishments, got involved in car accidents while driving, resulting in injuries. In today's context, drunk driving accidents often cause severe or catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, many drunk drivers have inadequate insurance to cover the damages and injuries sustained by victims.
While South Carolina doesn't have a specific statute for dram shop claims, state courts allow injured victims to seek damages and recovery from alcohol-related accidents using the state's alcohol sale statutes and negligence laws. Consequently, it's possible to hold restaurants, bars, and other entities accountable for injuries sustained by the driver of a motor vehicle or boat.
Most adults know that driving under the influence isn't just dumb - it's downright dangerous. They know that DUIs often have long-lasting, traumatic effects for everyone involved. What many people don't know is how closely related DUI and dram shop cases are in South Carolina. Consider the following scenarios:
Perhaps a 24-hour gas station doesn't check an I.D. and sells a case of malt liquor to a minor. The minor becomes intoxicated, and with a blood alcohol level exceeding the state limit, the novice driver wrecks their vehicle. One person is killed, and another is seriously injured. Or, in another instance, a bartender gives an overtly intoxicated person one last drink before they leave. The bartender later finds out that the person they served caused a car accident and injured a family of four.
In South Carolina, there are no specific dram shop statutes in place. Nevertheless, the state's courts strive to offer protection to individuals who have suffered injuries due to a drunk driver. However, filing dram shop claims, proving negligence, and navigating insurance coverage can be complicated and frustrating. That's especially true when you're hurt due to no fault of your own, and you're just trying to get through the recovery process. If you've sustained injuries from a drunk driver and believe that the person's intoxication was caused by a third party, it's time to call a dram shop law firm like Lauren Taylor Law.
Dram shop injury victims choose Lauren Taylor and her team of lawyers because they don't shy away from challenging tavern-keeper liability cases. With exceptional investigative skills, they meticulously gather relevant facts, ask hard questions, and build claims that focus on the most favorable outcomes possible. Â Â
Here at Lauren Taylor Law, we've dedicated our legal careers to assisting individuals in finding solutions to challenging legal issues. We're not in the business of prioritizing quick settlements that don't serve our clients' best interests. With decades of combined trial experience, we're passionate about getting you the compensation you deserve and feel privileged to be your dram shop injury lawyer. If you've been hurt by a drunk driver and believe that the driver's intoxication was due to a third party's negligence, get in touch with our dram shop liability lawyers. We can work together to determine if a third party can be held legally responsible.
Dram shop laws in South Carolina are complex, and the situations leading up to a trial or court case can be nuanced and confusing. Having a reliable, compassionate lawyer by your side is the best way to understand the situation you're in and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are just a few of the most significant reasons why you should consider hiring a dram shop lawyer:
You can rely on your dram shop lawyer to use legal precedents to demonstrate that the establishment licensee failed to fulfill their legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of patrons and the public. Precedent refers to the extensive body of previous dram shop lawsuit rulings in South Carolina that a court must consider when making decisions.
If you've experienced a serious accident that has impacted your financial and personal well-being, financial compensation can provide some relief. A dram shop injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for a variety of issues, which we'll cover in detail later. In cases where you have lost a spouse in a fatal accident, your lawyer can also help create a compensation proposal that considers the loss of financial and emotional support from that person.
In South Carolina dram shop cases, the court needs evidence that the bar or restaurant served too much alcohol to the customer. Evidence can come in various forms. Your dram shop attorney can handle this thorough and time-consuming task so you don't have to.
In addition to evidence gathering, you'll need an attorney to demonstrate that the person's intoxication directly caused the injuries or property damage in question. Your attorney will gather evidence linking the intoxicated individual to the harm. This meticulous legal work is best performed by a lawyer with experience in dram shop liability, who can fill in the missing timeline details of the day of the incident.
Insurance can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses resulting from an incident. Unfortunately, dealing with insurers when you're already suffering from a serious injury or personal loss can be overwhelming. Hiring a dram shop lawyer not only simplifies this process but also helps ensure you receive all the benefits entitled to you under your policy.
Your dram shop lawyer should prioritize your best interests. Sometimes, that involves negotiating a fair settlement with the alcohol-serving establishment. Other times, the best outcomes come in court. Every dram shop accident claim is unique and requires individual consideration. Effectively presenting a case in front of a judge or jury is a specialized skill possessed by experienced litigators. When you hire an experienced, proactive dram shop injury attorney in Hollywood, SC, you can rest easy knowing you'll have strong representation in both private negotiations and in the courtroom.
Today, dram shop laws hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol to intoxicated customers who cause harm. If a bar or restaurant serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes a DUI accident, the establishment can be held liable for resulting injuries. The injured party can also pursue legal action against the intoxicated driver. Dram shop laws would also apply if the intoxicated patron caused harm or damage in a manner other than a car accident.
Dram shop laws are legal statutes that hold businesses accountable for serving alcohol to individuals who are already intoxicated or for selling alcohol to minors who then cause harm to themselves or others. If a business has a commercial liquor license or equivalent in South Carolina, liability may be incurred. Some of the most common types of businesses that incur dram shop liability include the following:
In the settings above, the establishment bears liability depending on the actions of their employees. Servers and other staff members who overserve intoxicated customers may be considered negligent. Some common staff positions that can be at fault under South Carolina dram shop law include managers, cashiers, store clerks, bartenders, and servers.
After an intoxicated driver causes an accident that injures another person, the victim can seek compensation from the establishment that overserved the intoxicated person. To successfully recover compensation in a dram shop case, your dram shop injury attorney in Hollywood, SC must prove that the business was negligent or intentional in serving a minor or an intoxicated person. At Lauren Taylor Law, our goal is to prove negligence in your dram shop case so that we may recover the maximum amount of damages to help you recover.
To do so, we aim to demonstrate the following
The injuries you sustained were primarily caused by the alcohol consumed by the intoxicated driver, which can be proven if the driver is found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI).
The establishment failed to fulfill its obligations to recognize intoxicated patrons, verify legal drinking age with I.D., refrain from serving alcohol to intoxicated or underage individuals, and arrange for safe transportation for intoxicated customers.
The establishment must have had a reasonable awareness that the customer was either intoxicated or underage. Checking the customer's I.D. can help establish their legal age. The level of intoxication can be assessed by observing the behavior of the individual or by tracking the number and type of drinks served to them within a specific period.
As your dram shop injury attorney in Hollywood, SC, one of our biggest jobs is supplying evidence proving that the dram shop in question was negligent. Examples of supporting evidence include the following:
Knowledge of Intoxication Evidence
The plaintiff and attorney must demonstrate that the alcohol establishment was aware or should have been aware that the customer was drunk, by showing that the bar had knowledge of intoxication or should have observed visible signs of drunkenness. Knowledge of intoxication can include knowing:
Visible signs of intoxication can include:
Duty of Care Evidence
Every business has an inherent responsibility to adhere to state law and refrain from serving individuals who are either under the legal drinking age or visibly intoxicated.
Breach of Duty Evidence
Proving that the establishment breached its duty to serve alcohol responsibly and follow the law can include showing that the establishment's employees:
Causation Evidence
An attorney can gather evidence to show that alcohol intoxication directly caused a drunk driving accident or injury by reviewing police reports, arrest records, and court documents. A conviction for DUI, DUAC, or any other alcohol-related offense can serve as compelling proof for legal action.
The short answer to this question is yes. A DUI or DUAC conviction can serve as crucial evidence to support a dram shop liability or drunk driving claim for compensation. Being convicted provides concrete proof that the driver failed in their duty of care, leading to subsequent injuries due to negligence. It's advantageous for victims to enlist a qualified dram shop injury attorney in Hollywood, SC to handle their dram shop liability case. Quality dram shop lawyers - like those at Lauren Taylor Law - conduct investigations into the source of the driver's intoxication and ascertain if any establishment contributed to over-serving the driver.
In dram shop liability cases, which are considered personal injury cases, the state allows a three-year window from the date of injury for victims to file a lawsuit against the bar that overserved a patron. If the filing deadline is missed, the judge may dismiss the case unless there is a valid legal exception. If you're thinking about taking legal action, it's important to reach out to Laurent Taylor Law as soon as possible to explore your options.
South Carolina state law ensures that victims of negligence have a way to obtain financial recovery after being injured in a bar or due to the actions of a negligent establishment. It's important to note that not only the victims of drunk driving accidents but anyone injured by an intoxicated person can file a dram shop liability claim. Compensation from dram shop cases can come from a variety of sources, including those below.
In South Carolina, businesses with an alcohol license are required to have at least one million dollars in liquor liability insurance. This insurance covers both economic and non-economic damages suffered by a victim.
If you're the victim of a DUI accident, you can recover economic damages under dram shop liability. Those damages can include the following:
You may also be eligible for non-economic damages in a dram shop liability claim. Those damages may include one or more of the following:
You can also seek punitive damages in a South Carolina dram shop liability case. These damages are awarded to punish a defendant for causing harm due to reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct. Your dram shop lawyer in South Carolina must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's actions met the criteria described in the statute. The burden of proof is higher than that required to win compensatory damages in a dram shop liability case.
In drunk driving accidents, courts may consider awarding punitive damages because driving while intoxicated is a deliberate violation of the law that displays a reckless disregard for others. Unlike in most other cases where punitive damages are capped, South Carolina does not limit the amount awarded in a drunk driving case.
If you've been injured due to another person's negligence and you're ready to fight for damages, it's time to call Lauren Taylor Law. Let our team of dram shop injury lawyers litigate your case and secure maximum compensation for your lost wages, hospital bills, property damage, and other losses. When you partner with a proven, experienced, successful attorney, you can increase your chances of getting full compensation.
We have the skills and trial experience needed to handle complex dram shop claims, just like yours. To learn more about your alcohol-related accident and the opportunity to bring a lawsuit against a dram shop, contact us today to schedule a consultation at the law offices of Lauren Taylor.
Free Consultation. No Obligation. Completely Confidential
We guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will NOT be shared.
Lowcountry LeadershipNaviGators10-10Tuesday, Oct 6, 202612:00am EDTBaptist HillBobcats0-8LLHS Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Baptist HillGame InfoThe Lowcountry Leadership varsity volleyball team has an away conference match @ Baptist Hill (Hollywood, SC) on Tuesday, October 6.MatchupRosterGame DetailsTeam ComparisonLowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)60KillsBaptist Hill (Hollywood)-Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)3Total BlocksBaptist Hill (H...
Lowcountry LeadershipNaviGators10-10
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026
12:00am EDT
Baptist HillBobcats0-8
Game Info
The Lowcountry Leadership varsity volleyball team has an away conference match @ Baptist Hill (Hollywood, SC) on Tuesday, October 6.
MatchupRoster
Game Details
Team Comparison
Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)60
Kills
Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-
Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)3
Total Blocks
Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-
Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)43
Serving Aces
Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-
Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)65
Digs
Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-
Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)52
Assists
Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-
Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)49
Receptions
Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-
Key Players
Avg. Per Game
Bella Abernathy
#3OH
Kills
100--
Not Enough Data
Maddie Priester
#5MH
Total Blocks
17--
Not Enough Data
Alex Jackson
#2S
Serving Aces
57--
Not Enough Data
Peyton Mashburn
#1DS/L
Digs
107--
Not Enough Data
Alex Jackson
#2S
Assists
140--
Not Enough Data
Peyton Mashburn
#1DS/L
Receptions
140--
Not Enough Data
Scoring Averages
| Wins | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowcountry Leadership | 1.5 | 20.5 | 20.4 | 21.5 | -- |
| Baptist Hill | 0.4 | 11.9 | 8.9 | 11.7 | 12.5 |
Rankings
South Carolina
#201
#334
South Carolina Division A
#18
#67
Charleston
--
#55
Season Recap
Overall Record
10-10
0-8
Region
9-0
0-8
Non-Region
0-2
0-0
Head to Head
1-0
0-1
Home
4-0
0-4
Away
6-3
0-4
Neutral
0-7
0-0
Common Opponent
8-0
0-7
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
10-10
0-8
Out-of-State
0-0
0-0
Win %
.500
.000
Region %
1.000
.000
SW
30
3
SL
23
24
Common Opponents
Cross
2-0
0-1
Burke
2-0
0-0
Palmetto Scholars Academy
1-0
0-2
Charleston Math & Science
1-0
0-1
St. John's
1-0
0-2
Military Magnet Academy
1-0
0-1
Head-to-Head
3
0
10/06/2026
--
--
About UsMobile AppsSubscribePrivacy PolicyTerms of useCalifornia NoticeSupport
PlayOn Family of Brands:
© 2026 MaxPreps, Inc.
MaxPreps is a registered trademark of MaxPreps, Inc.
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – The Town of Hollywood is responding to concerns about a proposed bond connected to a legal settlement after more than 800 residents signed a petition opposing the measure.Town leaders held a special meeting Monday evening to address the petition and provide an update on the town’s obligations under a settlement agreement stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Pederson family.According to the town, the dispute dates back to a 2010 agreement in which the Pederson family donated nine acres of lan...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – The Town of Hollywood is responding to concerns about a proposed bond connected to a legal settlement after more than 800 residents signed a petition opposing the measure.
Town leaders held a special meeting Monday evening to address the petition and provide an update on the town’s obligations under a settlement agreement stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Pederson family.
According to the town, the dispute dates back to a 2010 agreement in which the Pederson family donated nine acres of land for the construction of the current town hall and library. In exchange, the town agreed to allocate 375 sewer taps for future development on the remainder of the family’s property.
The issue remained unresolved for years until a new mayor was elected in 2019, and the Pederson family was unable to come to an agreement with the town on their taps.
After town officials determined they could not secure enough sewer taps to meet the terms of the agreement, the matter ended up in court. The Pederson family sued the town in 2018.
After Mayor Chardale Murray was elected in 2023, the town reviewed the matter and determined it was not able to get enough sewer taps to satisfy the agreement.
Earlier this year, Town Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement that requires the town to purchase 167 acres of Pederson family property for $2.9 million.
To fund the purchase, the town sought financing through a $3 million loan. Town officials said South Carolina law requires a general obligation bond as security for debt of that size.
In a statement, the town said the bond serves as a guarantee to the lending institution and would only affect taxpayers if Hollywood was unable to make its debt payments and defaulted on the loan.
“The town reiterates securing the bond does not automatically increase property taxes,” officials said.
Town leaders also pushed back on what they described as misinformation circulating in the community regarding the financial impact of the bond.
According to the statement, some residents were told property taxes would increase by $200 if the bond were approved. Town officials called that claim “misleading” and “false.” The town also said some signatures on the petition did not meet residency requirements and that several residents have since withdrawn their objections.
The settlement timeline has since become more complicated. The town said the deadline to complete the agreement has passed, and the case was scheduled to return to trial after exceeding a 60-day extension granted in April 2026.
Officials said a continuance has been requested and that the town has been advised an amended complaint could increase Hollywood’s potential liability and possibly void the settlement agreement altogether.
The Town of Hollywood said it will continue updating residents as the legal matter moves forward.
Hollywood Feed recently announced the opening date for its newest location in South Carolina. The healthy and holistic pet food and supply retailer will open its new freestanding location on August 1 at 4345 Fort Jackson Boulevard in Columbia, South Carolina.The new, 5,500-square-foot location will feature two self-wash dog stations in addition to ample retail space for shoppers and their pets to explore.The retailer already has a large presence in South Carolina with stores in Aiken, Charleston, Indian Land, Lexington, Mount P...
Hollywood Feed recently announced the opening date for its newest location in South Carolina. The healthy and holistic pet food and supply retailer will open its new freestanding location on August 1 at 4345 Fort Jackson Boulevard in Columbia, South Carolina.
The new, 5,500-square-foot location will feature two self-wash dog stations in addition to ample retail space for shoppers and their pets to explore.
The retailer already has a large presence in South Carolina with stores in Aiken, Charleston, Indian Land, Lexington, Mount Pleasant, Simpsonville and Summerville.
As with its existing stores, the new location in Columbia, SC will feature free Curbside Pickup as well as Same Day Delivery, free for orders over $59.
With more than 175 locations across 19 states, Hollywood Feed provides an assortment of American-made pet foods, regionally sourced treats, and other pet products that all meet Hollywood Feed’s high standards for use and consumption by its customers’ beloved pets.
“As Hollywood Feed continues to grow, we’re intentional about expanding into communities that value exceptional service and the well-being of their pets,” says Shawn McGhee, Hollywood Feed president. “Columbia is a vibrant, growing market, and we’re excited to bring our unique approach to pet care, our premium products, and our highly trained team members together to serve the Columbia for many years to come.”
Hollywood Feed has more than 1,400 Feed Team members in its ‘pack’ of employees and is both a retailer and an employer of choice. In fact, Hollywood Feed has regularly been featured by Top Workplaces and Best Places to Work; and has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers (ranking No. 1 in the pet care category); and to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service.
In addition to natural and holistic pet food and treat offerings, Hollywood Feed proudly features its own line of Georgia Smoked, Hollywood Feed Select Treats and Mississippi Made items including pet beds, collars, leashes and more. Hollywood Feed locations are open 7 days a week all year, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Hollywood Feed serves pets, their owners, caretakers and communities in more than 175 stores across 19 states. Consistently ranking atop consumer choice awards in the markets it serves, Hollywood Feed has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers (ranking #1 in the pet care category), Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service, Pet Business’ list of Top 25 Retailers in North America, USA Today’s list of 10 Best Pet Stores and Pet Age’s Retailer Excellence Awards, in addition to being named Best Pet Store by The Memphis Flyer, Best of Dallas, Best of North Atlanta, and Best of Asheville, to name a few.