Tega Cay, SC (Tega Cay Sun) – South Carolinians can now enjoy more of their beloved craft beer after their visits to local breweries, thanks to a new state law aimed at fostering the growth of the craft beer business in South Carolina. The “South Carolina Craft Beer Economic Development Act” enacted in May allows consumers to purchase more beer directly from breweries to take home.
The first significant change in the law revolves around the quantity of beer individuals can purchase from craft breweries within the state and take with them. Previously, adults aged 21 and above were restricted to a maximum of 288 ounces, equivalent to one case of 12-ounce cans. However, with the new legislation in place, this limit has been significantly expanded to 864 ounces, allowing them to purchase three cases of 12-ounce cans or two cases of 16-ounce cans, as well as smaller sixtel kegs with a capacity of 661 ounces.
The Tega Cay Sun talked with Brad O’Connor, Owner and Head of Brewing Operations at Tega Cay’s Model A Brewing. O’Connor said, ” We’re moving in the right direction with the new law allowing us to sell one sixtel direct to consumers. We however have a long way to go before we’re even comparable to NC. I’d love to get to a point where we can load up our old tap truck and serve beer at the concert series.”
In contrast to North Carolina, which had no such limit, this change is expected to provide South Carolina brewers with a competitive edge, especially in regions bordering North Carolina.
The second major amendment in the law streamlines the process for breweries with multiple locations under the same ownership. Previously, they were required to sell products to a wholesaler and then buy them back to transfer between their own locations. This practice, known as bonded transfer, was permitted in numerous other states but remained illegal in South Carolina until the governor signed the new law in May. Now, breweries with multiple locations in the state can transfer products more easily, reducing unnecessary hurdles and operational costs.
The legislation received strong bipartisan support in the General Assembly, passing through both chambers at the State House with only one dissenting vote. This forward-looking approach to loosening regulations around the craft beer industry is expected to spur economic growth and enhance the overall experience for craft beer enthusiasts in South Carolina.
