Restaurant Insurance in South Carolina
The policies a South Carolina restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering operation needs — what the state requires, what's strongly advised, and what it costs.
Reviewed by J. Robert Smith, Licensed Insurance Agent (NPN 10378680). Last updated .
In South Carolina, a restaurant's core program is general liability, a property or business-owner's policy (BOP), and commercial auto for any delivery. Workers' compensation is mandatory once you hire staff, and liquor-liability insurance is effectively required for any business serving alcohol. This hub compares South Carolina's workers' comp and liquor-liability rules and cost alongside the coverages every restaurant and bar should carry.
- Workers’ comp
- Required once you hire staff
- Liquor liability
- Effectively required to serve alcohol
- Dram-shop law
- Yes
- Suggested liquor limits
- $1M aggregate minimum (statutory); higher advisable given past verdicts
Workers’ compensation in South Carolina
Yes, if the restaurant regularly employs four or more workers, counting full-time and part-time. Businesses with fewer than four employees, or with annual payroll under $3,000, are exempt, as are casual and agricultural workers. Corporate officers and business owners may elect out. Most restaurants meet the four-employee trigger, so coverage is typically required.
Full South Carolina workers’ comp guide — thresholds, exemptions, and rates →
Liquor liability & dram-shop law in South Carolina
South Carolina has no dram-shop statute, but its courts recognize common-law liquor liability: a business that serves a visibly intoxicated patron or a minor who then injures a third party can be held liable in negligence. Since 2017, on-premises alcohol sellers open after 5:00 p.m. must carry liquor-liability insurance.
Full South Carolina liquor-liability guide — the statute, limits, and cost →
Coverages every South Carolina restaurant should weigh
- General liability
Third-party slip-and-fall and property-damage claims — the foundation policy.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability with property coverage for your building, equipment, and contents.
- Commercial property
Kitchen equipment, tenant improvements, signage, and inventory.
- Commercial & hired/non-owned auto
Delivery, catering runs, and errands in owned or employee vehicles.
- Employment practices (EPLI)
Harassment, discrimination, and wrongful-termination claims from staff.
- Umbrella
Extra limits above your liquor, auto, and general liability policies.
South Carolina regulators
Talk to an agent who insures food & beverage every day
A licensed commercial-lines agent who specializes in restaurants and bars will review your coverage, close the gaps that catch owners, and show you what a program actually costs — before anything is bound.