Is it illegal to take your child into a bar in SC? Here’s what state law says

In South Carolina, there is no law saying you can’t take your child into a bar.

Unlike in some states, they can even sit at the bar.

Some people have taken to social media to say just because there’s no law doesn’t mean you should. And some bars have a policy of no children.

Adam, a bartender known as metal_monkey80 on Reddit, posted: “If a restaurant tells you that they have a policy of no minors at their bar during dinner/PM hours, that’s the end of the discussion.”

Be upset, don’t go there again, he said.

“While I’m sure your child is very cool, the fact is other bar patrons (drunk adults) do not want your child around for their conversations or their behavior,” he added. “They swear, smoke, talk about drugs and sex. They’re just too polite to mention it to you directly.”

He said it seems to be happening more and more. Once he saw a couple try to move two bar seats for an oversized stroller.

Another Reddit user said someone put their child in a car seat on the bar and turned on a white noise machine. People were too shocked to say anything.

Yet another, known as SnazzyMcGee01, said, “Anytime I had a guest bring their baby to sit at the bar the parents would inevitably quote that line from Sweet Home Alabama “You have a baby!? In a bar!?” And I’m watching the whole thing like “So you understand what you’re doing is weird, but you’re going to continue doing it?”

South Carolina does not mention anything about minors in a bar, but it does regulate where bars can be located. No closer than 300 feet from a school or playground (also church) in a municipality or 500 feet outside of a municipality.

The legal drinking age in South Carolina is 21, which is also the age required to be a bartender. Servers can be 18.

Serving minors is a misdemeanor that carries a $200 to $300 fine or 30 days in jail for a first offense. Second and beyond is $400 to $500.

This law does not apply to someone older than 21 giving alcohol to their underage spouse or parents serving their children in their home.

Religious ceremonies are exempt as are culinary school tastings for educational purposes.

Children are allowed in liquor stores accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone of legal age in South Carolina.

A Reddit user asked whether they should take their child into a liquor store.

Someone answered, “It’s a store, not a bar. Just keep the kiddo from grabbing stuff & you’re golden.”

Another said, “Unless the shop doesn’t allow it then why not? I take my baby in with me and ask him which wine I should buy. He’s terrible at choosing though.”