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.
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 Moncks Corner, 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 Moncks Corner, 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 Moncks Corner, 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 Moncks Corner, 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.
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The Town of Moncks Corner took another step toward allowing a large development off of Highway 52. But council members are proceeding with caution.Back in October of 2025, council voted consider the rezoning of the property from large industrial to planned development. Then the company Dream Finders pitched a plan to develop 96-acres of land. The frontage is on Highway 52 and is adjacent to Bent Tree Lane and Ben Baron Lane. Council decided to allow the proposal to move forward with some changes.One of the sticking points, acco...
The Town of Moncks Corner took another step toward allowing a large development off of Highway 52. But council members are proceeding with caution.
Back in October of 2025, council voted consider the rezoning of the property from large industrial to planned development. Then the company Dream Finders pitched a plan to develop 96-acres of land. The frontage is on Highway 52 and is adjacent to Bent Tree Lane and Ben Baron Lane. Council decided to allow the proposal to move forward with some changes.
One of the sticking points, according to the town, was the proposal regarding townhomes. The company scrapped that part the of the plan and now plans to build detached single family homes. But council still wants some answers.
There were some issues in 2025 regarding the commercial portion of the development as well as concerns brought up regarding traffic. According to council they didn’t receive the answers they’ve been wanting since last fall.
“We were presented this stuff a few months ago and the meeting resulted with some guidance to the developer. I am not seeing where anything was returned to us other than the agreement and not anything we’ve ask for,” said council member Chadwick Sweatman.
However, at the council meeting on Feb. 17, members decided an agreement may be made with the company. They passed a first reading to consider a development agreement between the company and the town. A public hearing and a second reading will now follow. Nothing is binding at this point.
In total the plan being proposed involves building 316 housing units the site will include recreation areas as well as roughly 70,000 square feet of commercial space. The plan it to have the second reading and public hearing on both the planned development agreement and the planned development agreement. But council wants some information before that happens.
“They need to give us a bottom line number of how much the commercial they are going to have and they better have that by next meeting,” said town Mayor Thomas Hamilton. Hamilton showed his interest in the development earlier in September when the plan was first being discussed.
“I’m not going to pick on past subdivisions however we’ve got some junk subdivisions. We’ve got some subdivisions where all we got is subdivision and housing,” he said in 2025. “Now we are saying give us commercial, give us rec…We have so many subdivisions that have been approved and has given nothing to this town but traffic. This is a good development. The developments we go after gives up rec, it gives us commercial these are the developments we need to push for.”
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) — The William H. Dennis “Biggins” Boat Landing in Moncks Corner is set to close on Feb. 15 for an upcoming expansion project.Santee Cooper plans to temporarily close the boat landing to start a major expansion and modernization project that will significantly improve public water access by expanding boating capacity, increasing parking, improving traffic flow and enhancing visitor safety.Project leaders also say the expansion will help support the growing recreation needs of Berkeley...
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) — The William H. Dennis “Biggins” Boat Landing in Moncks Corner is set to close on Feb. 15 for an upcoming expansion project.
Santee Cooper plans to temporarily close the boat landing to start a major expansion and modernization project that will significantly improve public water access by expanding boating capacity, increasing parking, improving traffic flow and enhancing visitor safety.
Project leaders also say the expansion will help support the growing recreation needs of Berkeley County.
“Berkeley County is rapidly growing and as part of that, there are more people using this boat landing,” Emily Tyner, Santee Cooper manager of corporate communications, said. “The current infrastructure doesn’t really support the growing demand, so the purpose of this project is to expand the public access to water.”
Tyner said the project will help improve public safety and will ensure the landing can serve both the current and future community needs.
Key elements of the project include expanding the existing two-lane boat ramp to a four-lane boat ramp, constructing two new staging docks, adding up to a total of 470 feet of docking space and adding two new ADA-compliant fishing piers.
“Santee Cooper is proud to serve our local community, and our partner with Berkeley County is built on that shared commitment,” Tyner says. “That includes promoting responsible growth and preserving access to our rivers and lakes.”
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb says he’s looking forward to the completed project, and providing access to all their natural amenities is a high priority.
“We got a lot of families that work hard all week, so the opportunity to get out on the weekend or even during the day of the week and it not be aggravating, that’s it,” Cribb says. “If you view it as safe and if you can get in and out, you’re more likely to enjoy it. And we have a lot of boat owners in Berkeley County.”
Cribb adds that the more quality boat landings there are throughout the county will also help with traffic because less people will be driving on roads to be able to get to the river or creek they want to boat or fish in.
The landing will reopen in spring 2027. Officials stress to residents to use other boat landings in the area, including the Cypress Gardens Boat Landing and Bushy Park Boat Landing.
“We realize it is a very popular landing, so we appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation, as we make these major upgrades,” Tyner says.
Drivers along Maybank Highway on Johns Island have been passing a bright green, retro-style sign promising miniature golf is “coming soon.”The wait is almost over.Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade is slated to open in late February, bringing two full 18-hole micro-layouts and a large indoor arcade with several dozen games.The family-friendly entertainment hub at 3414 Maybank Highway features two separate courses — Alligator Alley and Swampville — ...
Drivers along Maybank Highway on Johns Island have been passing a bright green, retro-style sign promising miniature golf is “coming soon.”
The wait is almost over.
Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade is slated to open in late February, bringing two full 18-hole micro-layouts and a large indoor arcade with several dozen games.
The family-friendly entertainment hub at 3414 Maybank Highway features two separate courses — Alligator Alley and Swampville — complete with fountains, sand traps and mini bridges behind a warehouse-style building and parking area.
More than 40 arcade games will be installed indoors, along with multiple televisions for watching sports, including golf and a concessions counter inside will serve up soft pretzels, ice cream, slushies, nachos and pretzels.
Pending a permit, the food truck will offer pizza, fries and chicken fingers. The owners have also applied for a beer and wine license.
Each hole on the courses is sponsored by a local business, and the first nine holes on each course are wheelchair accessible. The design allows players to complete a full 18-hole round by combining accessible holes across both courses. A practice putting green is included on site.
Co-owners Sandie and Michael Albenesius, who also own and operate St. John’s Kayaks and Boat Tours, said the idea grew out of a desire to offer more activities for teens and families on the island and nearby James Island. They own the Sea Island Mini Golf with two additional co-owners.
Transforming the former storage warehouse took several years.
Players on the mini golf course will receive putters, golf balls, a scorecard and a tiny pencil upon signing up to play the courses.
Outdoor seating, picnic tables and televisions — including coverage from the Golf Channel — are also part of the setup.
Initially, Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade plans to operate Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. but will fluctuate based on weather or demand. The owners said hours will likely expand as demand grows, particularly heading into the summer season.
Beyond casual play, the venue plans to host birthday parties, corporate events, themed nights and group outings for kids and adults alike.
A national retailer of farm and rural lifestyle supplies is eyeing a new stire at Foxbank Plantation in Moncks Corner, near a community slated for nearly 3,000 homes.
Tractor Supply and PetSense by Tractor Supply have submitted plans to the S.C. Department of Environmental Services for a 21,930-square-foot retail outpost at 219 Foxbank Town Center. The project’s owner and developer is Twin Rivers Capital.
Tractor Supply carries farm supplies, pet and animal feed, clothing, tools, fencing and other rural essentials. PetSense offers grooming services and pet prescriptions.
Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply is described as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. The chain operates 2,364 namesake stores in 49 states, along with 206 PetSense locations in 23 states.
The company has opened seven stores in the Charleston area since expanding to South Carolina in 2007.
Gold Digger, an antique jewelry store, repair shop and jewelry design studio, will open Feb. 7 in North Charleston's Park Circle area.
The address is 1080 E. Montague Ave.
Gold Digger is owned by Lisa Thomas and daughter Emma, who source pieces during their travels. Each item is inspected and prepared by a master jeweler.
Thomas also owns DIGS Charleston and DIGS Imports, a curated furniture shop located at the same address, as well as Out of Hand in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant.
In addition to antique and vintage jewelry, the shop will offer repair services and custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry design.
A Cajun-style seafood boil restaurant has opened near Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. Happy Crab Seafood is now serving at 4950 Centre Pointe Drive.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on the peninsula is now open on Mondays.
The home goods-focused shop at 731 Meeting St., accepts donations and sells discounted building materials, furniture and home products, with proceeds supporting affordable housing efforts in the Charleston area.
Updated store hours are Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The wait is over for diners in Goose Creek to get their own outpost of a Johns Island-based diner.
Sunrise Bistro officially opened Feb. 3 at 216 St. James Ave., in the former Ti-Ney Bangkok II Restaurant.
Co-owner Brian Appelt launched the eatery in 2009 with business partner Jessica Welenteichick after the pair spent years working together at Hege’s Restaurant on Johns Island. Other Sunrise Bistro locations are in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Aiken and Summerville.