Less Than 30 Days Remain for SC On-Premise Licensees to Meet New Alcohol Law Requirements

COLUMBIA, S.C. – With the March 2, 2026, enforcement deadline rapidly approaching, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) is providing guidance for all on-premise alcohol licensees to ensure they meet the new mandatory requirements of House Bill 3430 (H.3430).

Requirements for Alcohol Server Training as stated by SCDOR by March 2, 2026

All employees who serve alcohol for on-premise consumption for 10 or more hours per week, as well as managers who oversee alcohol service, must complete an alcohol server training program approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR). Upon completion, individuals must submit their training completion to the Department in order to receive a state issued Alcohol Server Certificate.

Clarification on the "January 18" Rule: Per SCDOR, any alcohol training completed on or before January 18, 2026, is NOT compliant with the new law and is invalid.

New Hires: Staff hired have 30 days from their start date to become certified and anyone hired on or before February 1, 2026 must complete an SCDOR approved training by March 2, 2026.

Proof of Compliance: As a new step in being compliant, physical or electronic copies of the South Carolina Alcohol Server Certificate issued by the SC Department of Revenue must be kept on-site and produced immediately upon request by SCDOR or the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

“Our Priority is ensuring that all South Carolina operators have the resources they need to remain in full compliance with the new state law," said Douglas OFlaherty, Interim President and COO of SCRLA. "We urge all owners and managers to verify their training providers immediately; waiting until the March 2nd deadline could put your business and your staff's credentials at risk. Taking proactive steps now is the best way to ensure your business remains in good standing to avoid potential violations once enforcement begins."

Forensic Digital Identification Verification

Another item H. 3430 specifically addresses are licensees selling alcohol for on-premise consumption between midnight and 4:00 a.m. H. 3430 requires the use of an approved forensic digital identification system to verify the age of individuals seeking entry to the premises. Approved systems must scan the barcode on an identification card, validate the data against a Department of Motor Vehicles database, and analyze the barcode for inconsistencies, errors, or irregularities. Systems that merely match barcode data to the front of an ID do not meet the statutory standard. SCDOR has approved several specific forensic digital ID systems for compliance with this requirement.

Additional Information

A current list of SCDOR-approved alcohol server training programs and guidance on alcohol server certificates is available through the Department of Revenue’s website at https://dor.sc.gov/alcohol-beverage-licensing-abl/recognized-training-programs.

Questions regarding compliance may be directed to the SCDOR Alcohol Beverage Licensing Division either by phone at 803-898-5864 or by email at ABL@dor.sc.gov.