Last spring, the state legislature passed a law intended to make it easier for non-profit groups that hold many special events during the year, to apply for multiple beer and wine permits at one time.
A change in state law that we first brought to your attention last month is starting to have an impact on caterers and festival promoters.
The law allows only non-profit groups to be able to get temporary beer and wine permits. The law was passed with good intentions, but it's causing problems for event promoters all over the state.
They hope lawmakers will fix it soon. The question is, how big a headache will it cause in the meantime?
Last spring, the state legislature passed a law intended to make it easier for non-profit groups that hold many special events during the year, to apply for multiple beer and wine permits at one time.
Instead, the law unintentionally allows only non-profits to get those permits. Bars, caterers and individuals are left out. The change went into effect January 1. Festival promoter Mike Shank says the law hasn't stopped any of his planned events... yet. "I found out far enough in advance I've been able to adapt and abide by the rules and I have a permit that's pending. It's been more of a hassle, an inconvenience, but hopefully my festivals that are coming up will still go on."
Shank has partnered with the non-profit group Scents for Soldiers to make sure his oyster roast events this winter can include liquor sales, as planned. Heidi Vukov, who owns Croissants Bistro, says the law hasn't affected her catering business, but only because this isn't the busy wedding season. "Yeah, if this was the middle of June, this would be bad."
Vukov says many in the business haven't heard about the legal snafu, and by the time they find out, it can be too late to find a non-profit to partner with. "Some people may not know until they go and try to apply for a special permits license."
Most city-approved events, like The Biggest Loser race, don't involve alcohol. Those that do, says Myrtle Beach's public information officer, can probably work around it. "It is a complication that just doesn't seem necessary, though," Mark Kruea said.
Shank said he's concerned about how long it'll take for lawmakers to fix the law. He says he's anticipating the worst, but hoping for the best.
Local lawmakers have promised to work on a quick fix, when the session begins next Tuesday.
