In South Carolina, it is currently illegal to purchase alcohol on Election Day – a day that can drive some to drink depending on the outcome. Proposed legislation may change this law, making alcohol purchases legal on Election Day and illegal on Christmas.
South Carolina is the only state that prohibits Election Day alcohol purchases, with a law that was first implemented in an attempt to thwart political parties from “buying votes” by hosting large parties where alcohol was provided to guests. The belief was that guests’ votes could be influenced with the promise of alcoholic beverages. Supporters of the change believe the law is outdated and unnecessary.
Though other states have gradually eliminated Election Day alcohol bans, with Kentucky getting rid of their law last year, South Carolina’s ban still remains. The South Carolina House Judiciary Committee approved the bill lifting the Election Day ban with an overwhelming 92-30 vote; it now will be presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee. If it passes, a similar ban would be placed on Christmas Day alcohol purchases.
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we are considering what impact this change may have on drunk driving accidents, injuries and fatalities in South Carolina. If the Election Day ban is lifted, will this result in an increase in drunk driving? And if the law is implemented on Christmas Day, will this serve to prevent drivers from taking to the road while intoxicated? Holidays are notorious for drunk driving accidents, and law enforcement agencies across the country implement increased patrols and operate sobriety checkpoints on and around major holidays in an effort to deter drunk drivers. A ban on alcohol purchases could similarly keep intoxicated drivers off the roads by limiting their access to alcohol.
Whether the bill will receive final approval remains to be seen, but it looks promising at this point – if the Senate votes similarly to the House on this matter.
If you would like to learn more about drunk driving and the rights you have as a victim of a collision caused by an intoxicated driver, please call our firm for a free case review. With a South Carolina personal injury attorney to protect your right to compensation, you may be able to get the money you need to rebuild and move on, even after a serious collision. Call today!