South Carolina residents licensed to carry concealed firearms will soon be able to be bring their weapons into bars and restaurants — as long as they don't drink,
The State newspaper reports.
Gov. Nikki Haley is expected to sign an expanded gun-rights bill passed on Thursday by the South Carolina House by a vote of 90-18.
"Gov. Haley has and will always be a supporter of open-carry laws, and will sign any bill that doesn't restrict the rights of gun owners," her spokesman Doug Mayer told the newspaper.
Those who violate the law could be hit with fines of up to $2,000 or up to two years in jail.
Opponents of the bill believe it could lead to more violence.
But state Rep. Mike Pitts, a Republican, said the new legislation simply gives law-abiding citizens the right to have dinner without having to leave their weapons locked in their cars.
Related Stories:
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.