“Hospitality Day” at the State House serves up food and industry issues to lawmakers

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — “Hospitality Day” at the State House draws a large crowd of foodies and legislators each year. But it’s not just a day for great eats.

It also serves to remind lawmakers of the pressing issues affecting the industry.

Over 1,800 people attended this year’s event — making their way from tent to tent as 25 vendors dished out appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts.

The food-filled event is hosted by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association — which boasts 2,400 members statewide.

“So our industry is currently a $31 billion economic driver for our state’s economy, supporting one in eight jobs, and every year the SC Restaurant and Lodging Association comes up to the State House to treat the legislators, one, and to thank them for the work they do on our behalf every single day. And two, to bring awareness and attention to the second largest private employer in our state — which is the hospitality industry,” says Hank Davis, Vice President of Government Affairs for SCRLA.

Davis says the event also serves as a way for he and other advocates to speak with legislators about pressing issues affecting the industry.

One of those is the sale of alcohol.

A new bill known as the Catering Law would create a license for caterers, allowing them to authorize alcohol service at private events, instead of applying for special event permits.

Another remains the affordability of liquor liability insurance.

“Thankfully, the General Assembly did put forth some efforts last year in HB 3430 to bring some relief to our industry — not only on the tort front but on the insurance front as well, so progress is being made but there is still work to do,” says Davis.

Currently SC law requires businesses serving alcohol on-premises after 5 p.m. to maintain at least $1 million in liquor liability insurance.

“We see a lot of great bars and restaurants have to close down because they can’t afford their liability insurance. The state has done a little bit to get things going forward, but we’d like to see more, see more of the insurance premiums come down, and people can be a success. You know they can have their own bar and restaurant and be successful,” says Chad Patterson, Chairman for SCRLA.

However, any improvements to be made will need to be get through the State House quickly, with May 14th, the last day of session before summer, rapidly approaching.