Drinking age in South Carolina (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Only the rules shown here have been checked against the state's statutes; local rules may differ.

Rule	What applies
Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol	21 years ^[1]
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol	The ban on transferring alcoholic liquors to a person under 21 does not apply to a spouse aged over 21 giving liquor to a spouse under 21 in their home, a parent or guardian over 21 giving it to their children or wards under 21 in their home, or giving it in conjunction with a religious ceremony or purpose if lawfully purchased. This chapter covers alcoholic liquors (spirits); beer and wine are in Chapter 4. ^[1]
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol	Selling alcoholic liquors is unlawful on Sundays except as authorised by law, on Christmas Day, and during periods proclaimed by the Governor. A first offence carries a fine of 200 dollars or 60 days' imprisonment. ^[1]
Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol	21 years ^[2]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol	It is unlawful to have an open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle on public highways or highway rights of way, except in the trunk or luggage compartment, punishable by a fine of up to 100 dollars or up to 30 days' imprisonment. Possessing or consuming beer, wine or liquor in a publicly-owned auditorium, coliseum or armory is unlawful unless the authorities in charge approve it. Other public-drinking rules are not covered here. ^[2]

Sources

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Where and when alcohol is sold	Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code))

State	Minimum age to buy beer and wine	Minimum age to buy spirits	Drinking by younger people with an adult	Drinking in public places	Where and when alcohol is sold
South Carolina	21	21	At home with parent/guardian or spouse; religious	Open beer/wine banned in vehicles	No Sunday or Christmas liquor sales unless authorised
North Carolina	21 (all alcohol)	21 (all alcohol)	⚠ Not yet verified	No spirits on streets or sidewalks	No sales 2-7 a.m.; Sunday from noon

CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (conditional licence, daylight only) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (beginner's permit)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no small bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general rule; limits at schools · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.