Bars, nightclubs, and other businesses in South Carolina that serve alcohol by the drink got blind-sided yesterday when an attorney for the Department of Revenue announced that businesses will have to start proving that their primary business is the sale of food, and not alcohol as outlined in the state constitution.
The State newspaper is reporting that the ruling could impact hundreds or thousands of bars and similar businesses across the state.
The announcement came after a meeting between the Governor, Sen. Dick Harpootlian, and revenue officials.