Sets new safety and insurance rules for businesses serving alcohol
How we got here
A 2017 state law requires businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance. While designed to ensure coverage in alcohol-related incidents, the law contributed to increased insurance rates and fewer insurers operating in the state.
How the law addresses liquor liability
Businesses must still carry $1 million in liability insurance, but the new law outlines ways businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. can lower the insurance amount.
Stop alcohol sales at midnight (save $250,000)
Provide alcohol service training to employees (save $100,000)
Keep alcohol sales under 40% of total sales (save $100,000)
Use digital ID checks from 12 to 4 a.m. (save $100,000)
Be a nonprofit or host a licensed special event (save $500,000)
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Margaritaville Night: Dress for the sand and surf, and make sure to grab a free Hawaiian shirt if you’re one of the first 1,000 fans to arrive.*
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Princess Knight: Enjoy a royal and magical celebration at Segra Park with some of your favorite princesses, followed by a post-game fireworks show.*
Sunday, June 1
Brunch Around the World 2025 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Local businesses unite for an international feast in Uptown Columbia, offering a free cultural culinary adventure.
City officials hosted a grand opening last week for the new Five Points Nail and Spa located on the corner of Saluda Avenue + Devine Street. The new location will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Real Estate
New digs for The Pig. The Cason Development Group of Columbia purchased the former Piggly Wiggly building on Devine Street for $7.1 million. The developer has yet to announce its plans for the former grocery store.. (WIS TV)
Number
$14 billion — that’s the amount lawmakers approved for the state budget, which will take effect on Tuesday, July 1, if Gov. Henry McMaster signs it into law. The budget includes bridge repairs, tax cuts, teacher raises, and more. (WLTX)
Family
EdVenture’s Kickoff to Summer party (free with museum admission) returns this Saturday, May 31, with a screen-free celebration for kids and families. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy crafts, games, food trucks, and more — plus, snag a summer bucket list packed with unplugged adventures. What to expect.*
The Word
Cheyney — that’s the word that knocked John Donato, SC resident and student at Woodlands Middle School in Dorchester County, out of the semifinal round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Taking home 20th place out of 243 contestants isn’t too shabby. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
South Carolina Gamecocks could make history with multiple first over picks. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Get up to 60% off dresses, shoes, tees, and beauty before the sale ends this weekend. Here’s what we’re eyeing:
Looking for an excuse to take a short family road trip? Mark your calendar for the 2025 Sunflower Festival happening at Denver Downs Farm in Anderson, SC. The festival, running from Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15, and then again on Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22, features acres of sunflowers, 30+ family attractions, live music, food, drinks, and more. Tickets for the festival will go on sale soon.
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