In May 2025, the South Carolina legislature passed H.3430, a major reform that reshapes how the state regulates alcohol server training.
The changes — which build on the earlier Responsible Alcohol Server Training Act — require that anyone serving alcohol for on-premises consumption, as well as managers overseeing service, must complete an approved “alcohol server training” program and obtain an “alcohol server certificate.”
If a person is hired without such a certificate, the employer (the licensee or permittee) must ensure that the training happens within 30 days of employment, or within 30 days of the law’s effective date if already employed.
Certificates, once issued, are valid for three years.
You have until March 1st, 2026, to obtain your certification if you are currently serving alcohol, no exceptions.
In short, “just showing up to serve drinks” is no longer enough. Each server and manager needs documented training and certification.
Penalties for prohibited acts relating to the sale of beer or wine
SECTION 4. Section 61-4-580(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(B) In addition to civil liability as provided by law, a violation of any provision of this section is a ground for the revocation or suspension of the holder’s permit. A permittee or licensee who violates any provision of this section:
(1) for a first offense, shall be fined two thousand five hundred dollars by the department;
(2) for a second offense within two years of the first offense, shall have its alcohol license or permit suspended for up to fourteen days as determined by the department; and
(3) for a third offense within three years of the first offense, shall have its alcohol license or permit revoked.
Here’s a breakdown:
These penalties will apply to the business or the person designated by the business who is legally responsible for the license’s operation and compliance. This law only provides for criminal penalties; it does not address civil penalties that may be incurred.
| Offense | Time Window | Fine | Penalty to License/Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | – | $2500 | None |
| 2nd Offense | Within 2 years of the 1st offense | No fine | Suspension up to 14 days (Department decides the length) |
| 3rd Offense | Within 3 years of the 1st offense | No fine | License/permit revoked |
What’s Different From Before
Under the old rules, the state recognized a variety of training programs. With H.3430, those prior programs are no longer automatically valid. Now, only training programs approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will qualify.
As of now, SCDOR has not yet approved any server training programs under the new law; however, Serving Alcohol, Inc. intends to be the first program approved by the state of South Carolina.
That means: even though the law sets certification deadlines, there may be a gap where businesses and servers must wait for approved training to become available.
What the Training Will Cover
The new law outlines required curriculum content. Approved training programs must cover:
- Laws and regulations related to sale and service of alcoholic beverages.
- Permitting and licensing requirements.
- Issues related to impaired driving / DUI.
- Liability for liquor-related incidents (“liquor liability”).
- Other relevant training elements as designated by SCDOR (which could include server best-practices, ID checks, managing intoxicated customers, etc.).
The law also requires that training be delivered online, be at least four hours long, and include a test. Programs must be interactive, linear (i.e., you cannot skip modules), and offered in both English and Spanish.
What This Means for Bars, Restaurants — and Their Staff
Safer Service & Reduced Liability Risk
By standardizing server training and requiring documentation, the state aims to reduce underage sales, over-serving, impaired driving, and other alcohol-related problems. The “liquor liability” emphasis reflects concern that servers and managers — not just patrons — bear responsibility when alcohol misuse leads to harm.
Short-Term Headaches for Businesses
Because no approved programs exist yet, bars/restaurants may struggle to get their staff certified before deadlines. Servers might be working without official certification, which could put businesses out of compliance.
Cost & Administration Responsibilities
Employers must track and maintain copies (digital or physical) of certificates for all employees who serve or manage, for the duration of employment.
If a server obtains certification and then leaves within 6 months, state law requires the server to reimburse the employer for the cost of the training (if the employer paid).
Credential Portability & Renewal
Certificates are valid for three years and transferable among employers — meaning a server can change jobs and use the same credential.
Why the Change Happened
One major motivator was mounting concern over rising liability and insurance costs for bars and restaurants in the state.
For many small businesses, skyrocketing insurance premiums (due to liquor-related liability risks) threatened viability. The new law is intended to offer some reform and stability by establishing clearer standards around alcohol service — a move that may help lower risk for both servers and licensees.
At the same time, stakeholders argue that requiring certified, trained servers helps promote more responsible service, which could reduce incidents such as over-serving, intoxication, and drunk driving, thereby improving public safety overall.
What to Watch
As of now, no training providers are officially approved under H.3430; however, Serving Alcohol, Inc. intends to be the first program approved in the state of South Carolina. Bars and staff should monitor the SCDOR website (or subscribe to its “Alcohol Beverage Licensing News”) and Serving Alcohol, Inc. for updates.
Businesses should plan ahead: once approved programs launch, ensure all staff — including existing servers & managers — are certified before compliance deadlines.
For workers: the certificate is your credential — keep a copy (digital or physical).
For employers: maintain records for all employees (and make them available if requested by regulators).
Remember: if a certificate was employer-paid and the employee leaves within 6 months, the employee may need to reimburse the employer
Final Thoughts
The new server-training mandate under H.3430 represents a big shift for alcohol service in South Carolina. What was once a patchwork of recognized programs has become a standardized, regulated certification system — one that seeks to increase accountability and safety in bars, restaurants, and other venues.
If you’re an owner, manager, or server in South Carolina: now is the time to pay attention. Once SCDOR-approved programs go live, compliance won’t just be optional — it will be a legal requirement.
