South Carolina Bar Faces Penalties for Negligent Security

A well-known bar in South Carolina is facing serious legal penalties for failing to address continuous shootings and violence on its premises. This is a rare example of the government cracking down on negligent security in South Carolina – an issue that has spiraled completely out of control. If you have experienced this issue firsthand, you might have suffered injuries after a shooting at a bar, restaurant, or gas station. You could be eligible to receive compensation.

Security Measures at Bar “Failed to Prevent” Patrons From Carrying Guns 

A bar in Charlotte, South Carolina is facing the suspension of its liquor license and a $3,500 fine after an investigation by the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Commission. First created in 1967, the ABC Commission regulates the distribution of alcohol. Although it has many roles, it enforces some laws and requirements regarding security at bars in South Carolina.

The penalties were announced by the ABC Commission shortly after two separate shootings at the establishment. The first occurred in May of 2024, and the commission claims it was a direct result of security failures. Staff failed to make sure patrons did not bring firearms into the bar. The second incident occurred just one month later, and the bar owner allegedly became “uncooperative” when police tried to investigate.

The ABC Commission notes that anyone who operates a nightlife business must adhere to extremely strict security protocols. These laws and regulations protect not only patrons and staff, but also innocent people in the immediate vicinity of the establishment.

Shootings Continue Across Many Other South Carolina Businesses 

At around the same time, reporters noted that a family was still “searching for answers” after their father was shot and killed at a gas station in Orangeburg. The National News Desk also reported that a 14-year-old bystander had been shot and killed at a McDonald’s in Sumter. The shooting occurred after coworkers started arguing with each other.

One man tried to break up the fight, but this only caused one of the workers to draw his firearm and begin firing. A stray bullet hit the 14-year-old, who was in ninth grade at the time of his death. The defendant fled but was soon captured by police officers. It was later determined that the shooter was out on bail, having been charged with attempted murder in October. It is not clear why he was able to continue working for McDonald’s after being charged with such a serious crime.

Can a South Carolina Negligent Security Lawyer Help Me? 

A South Carolina negligent security lawyer may be able to help you pursue justice and compensation if you have been injured in a shooting. If this incident occurred on someone else’s premises, they may be responsible for providing security. If they failed to carry out this duty of care, they may be liable for your damages – including medical expenses, missed earnings, and emotional distress. To learn more about the next steps, contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

wsoctv.com/news/local/south-end-bar-faces-penalties-over-shooting-incidents-security-failures/EFKRPEXWZ5DHVGZCUOQFL6ZG34/

wjbf.com/news/family-looking-for-answers-after-husband-and-father-shot-at-orangeburg-gas-station/

thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/coworkers-fight-mcdonalds-jacob-russ-marcques-wright-deadly-argument-teenage-bystander-relative?jw_start=%7Bseek_to_second_number%7D