On Friday, December 1, 2023, our Sheila Merck drove to Columbia to witness State Rep. Jay Kilmartin and his business partner, Alex Zelling, turn in the liquor license for their store, Cigar Militia.

WHY? Their liability insurance policy, just to sell beer and wine, rose from $1,500 in 2023 to $28,000 in 2024! Considering that they only made around $15,000 in alcohol sales last year, it was probably an easy decision to say “NO THANKS” to the new policy rate and make a trip to the SC Department of Revenue to cancel their liquor license.

Imagine your business’ liability insurance increasing that much in one year for a product that isn’t your main source of income.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? South Carolina’s poorly written liability laws punish business owners and pad plaintiff’s attorney’s pockets, while victims of accidents caused by drunk driving only receive 60-70% of any court-ordered payout. Frivolous lawsuits have to stop. Personal responsibility needs to be brought to the forefront once again.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO THE MUSIC SCENE? Our scene is suffering! The bands we love, the bands we’re part of, the bands we promote, NEED venues in which to play! Without affordable liability insurance, our venues are forced to raise drink prices and cut back on extra expenses, like music.

It’s time to speak up, y’all! Join us, the SC Venue Crisis team, on the front steps of the statehouse on January 9, 2024 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for the SC Tort Reform Rally. Let’s make some noise!! 🤘❤️🎶💥