Plus, an A-list country artist is coming to The Well.
 
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📈 Rising rates

How a new law addresses liquor liability insurance in South Carolina
State House reflection-8532.jpg
The legislative session began in January. | Photo by COLAtoday
Locally-owned businesses have been sounding the alarm for over a year. Restaurants, bars, and third places across SC are closing, citing rising liquor liability insurance premiums.

It’s a complex issue, and we’re trying to help make it easier to understand.

A 2017 law

Let’s go back to 2017 when a new state law required businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance.

“This bill will, quite literally, be a lifesaver for many families,” said SC Association for Justice President Alex Cash when it was signed by Governor Henry McMaster seven years ago.

While the law was designed to protect victims of alcohol-related incidents, it has led to financial strain on small businesses and driven insurers out of the state, causing rates to spike.

“I understand the reason for the law and what our legislators want to do for victims and families of victims,” VisitGreenvilleSC President + CEO Heath Dillard tells us. “I think we have to be conscious of the unintended consequences.”

Local businesses were hit hard

Liquor liability premiums have skyrocketed across the state:
  • Local Cue temporarily stopped selling alcohol after facing a $341,000 quote. It has since been purchased by a different local restaurateur to keep the bar open.
  • Columbia’s New Brookland Tavern saw its premiums rise to $70,000, threatening its future.
  • The Lowcountry’s Summerville VFW saw its rate jump from $9,500 to $69,000, forcing its closure.

SC’s insurance market

A SC Department of Insurance report reveals liquor liability insurance is unprofitable for insurers, leading to fewer carriers + leaving small businesses with rising premiums and limited options.

Next steps

How will SC protect its local businesses while maintaining safety and responsibility? In the best-case scenario, lawmakers could reach a compromise in early 2025. However, seeing the issue delayed until May of 2026 would be the worst-case scenario for businesses.
Asked

Are you a local business owner?
Share your personal experiences with liquor liability insurance and if your rates have increased.
Let us know
 
Events
Friday, Sept. 6
  • First Fridays Gallery Crawl | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public.
  • NC Mountain State Fair | Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | Western North Carolina Ag Center, Fletcher | $5+ | Scream and shout on 40+ carnival rides, savor mouth-watering fair food + enjoy local livestock shows during this all-out celebration of all things NC.*
  • Greenville Drive vs. Winston-Salem Dash | Friday, Sept. 6 | 7 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | The Drive are kicking off their countdown to Christmas with decorations, visits with Santa, holiday crafts, fireworks + more.*
Saturday, Sept. 7
Sunday, Sept. 8
  • Jonathan Stephens | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-3 p.m. | HeyDay Sandwiches and Cocktails | Free entry | Indulge in the new brunch menu as you listen to live music.
  • Greenville Drive vs. Winston-Salem Dash | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 3 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | Make memories and celebrate our local heroes with a day full of friendly competition at the Drive’s last home game of the season.*
Monday, Sept. 9
  • LolaCeli Pop Up | Monday, Sept. 9 | 5 p.m. | Sum Bar | $110+ | Enjoy 8-10 courses highlighting Carolina produce, seafood, and live-fire cooking with Filipino influences.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Calendar of events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Madworld Haunted Attractions
 
Active

🏈 Why playing sports is a winning choice for your kid
Three children wearing YMCA T-shirts play flag football on a field.
Your kiddo will love playing, learning, and making new friends in this fall developmental league at the Y. | Photo by Scott Cook Photography
Fall is almost here — and it’s the perfect time for kids to get outside + have some fun. One of the best ways to do this? Joining the YMCA of Greenville’s youth sports program.

Getting active helps your kid:
  • Build healthy habits that last a lifetime
  • Manage stress, anxiety, and challenging emotions
  • Participate in organized sports, one of the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets — aka, key experiences that help kids grow into well-adjusted adults
See the list of sports + register
News Notes
Plan Ahead
  • Dust off your boots. Country artist Blake Shelton is bringing his “Friends & Heroes” Tour 2025 to Bon Secours Wellness arena on Thursday, March 13 with Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts. Tickets go on sale to the public next Friday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m.
The Word
  • Pizzaco — meaning pizza and taco — is one of the unique foods coming soon to Mill City Kitchen at Judson Mill. The quick-service live-fire cooking concept + wine bar hopes to open on Friday, Sept. 20.
Festival
Shop
  • Save the chilling date of Friday, Sept. 13 for the Flash Friday Night Market at New Realm Brewing Co. Enjoy live music from Dead Man’s Hand as you shop local vendors and sip craft beer.
Outdoors
  • Nic & Norman’s patio at the entrance to the West End is now open for service. Dine al fresco just steps from Falls Park — dogs welcome.
Pets
  • Can I pet that dog? Sun and Soil Plant Parlor will host its inaugural golden retriever meetup on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. Owners of goldens are welcome to bring their furry friends, and any fans of the loveable breed are welcome, too.
Announced
  • We crunched the numbers and compiled your official GVLtoday’s Best nominees. Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Friday, Sept. 20 you can vote for your favorites in each category. Winners will be announced Friday, October 4.
Greenvillian
Arts
Sports
Seasonal
Listen
  • Imagine the crunch of crisp autumn leaves underfoot, the cries of geese flying south, the crackle of a bonfire. What if you couldn’t hear the sounds of fall clearly? This revolutionary hearing device makes sure that you can. (Test it out for 45 days with zero risk.)*
 
Biz

Be part of positive conversations
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In an era of fragmentation, we’re focused on uniting the community. | Graphic by 6AM City
In a time where we’re being inundated by political agendas and polarizing ads, GVLtoday proudly serves you positive media on the daily that focuses on all the good that’s happening in Greenville.

We’re a place where people come to learn and fall in love with what’s local, from dining options to community events. We never accept political advertising, so if your brand is tired of being constantly bumped by those ads, consider us your safe space.
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The Buy

The Buy 9.06.24 (Affiliate)
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Danielle
From the editor
Coral is blowing me away right now in the desserts category. Over the past month, they’ve shared a Belgium waffle maple cake, this deconstructed red velvet, and a super creative cheesecake flight. I see you with the innovation, Pastry Chef Katie Shegda.
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