TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-465 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE CARRYING OF A CONCEALED WEAPON IN A BUSINESS THAT SELLS ALCOHOL TO BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES, TO PERMIT THE POSSESSION OF A WEAPON UNLESS NOTICE OF A PROHIBITION IS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS, TO PROHIBIT THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN A BUSINESS BY SOMEONE CARRYING A FIREARM, AND TO REDUCE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 16-23-465 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 16-23-465.    In addition to the penalties provided for by Sections 16-11-330, 16-11-620, and 16-23-460, 23-31-220 and by Article 1 of Chapter 23 of Title 16, a person convicted of carrying a pistol or firearm into a business which sells alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine for consumption on the premises is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

In addition to the penalties described above, a person who violates this section while carrying a concealable weapon pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23, must have his concealed weapon permit revoked is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than two thousand dollars, or both, if that person:

(1)    carries a firearm into a business that sells alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine for consumption on the premises and at the time of the offense, notice of the prohibition of firearms was clearly and conspicuously posted in accordance with Section 23-31-220;

(2)    carries a firearm into a business that sells alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine for consumption on the premises and refuses to leave or to remove the firearm from the premises when asked to do so by a person legally in control of the premises; or

(3)    consumes alcohol while carrying a firearm in a business that sells alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine for consumption on the premises."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.