Here's what the bill says:
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-465, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON THE CARRYING OF A PISTOL OR FIREARM INTO A BUSINESS THAT SELLS ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, BEER, OR WINE TO BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES,
SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONS CARRYING A CONCEALABLE WEAPON IN COMPLIANCE WITH A CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THAT THE PERSON MAY NOT CONSUME ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR, BEER, OR WINE WHILE CARRYING THE CONCEALABLE WEAPON ON THE PREMISES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE BUSINESS MAY CHOOSE TO PROHIBIT THE CARRYING OF CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ON ITS PREMISES BY POSTING NOTICE; TO REVISE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-210, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ARTICLE ON CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "PICTURE IDENTIFICATION" AND "PROOF OF TRAINING", TO DELETE THE TERM "PROOF OF RESIDENCE", AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT, TO ALLOW PERMIT APPLICATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE WITH SLED, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MAY NOT CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON INTO A PLACE CLEARLY MARKED WITH A SIGN PROHIBITING THE CARRYING OF A CONCEALABLE WEAPON, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERMIT IS VALID FOR FIVE YEARS, TO REQUIRE SLED TO SEND A RENEWAL NOTICE AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS BEFORE A PERMIT EXPIRES, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF A HANDGUN, SO AS TO ALLOW A CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT HOLDER TO ALSO SECURE HIS WEAPON UNDER A SEAT IN A VEHICLE OR IN ANY OPEN OR CLOSED STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE VEHICLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ARTICLE ON HANDGUNS, SO AS TO REDEFINE THE TERM "LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT".
Source:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess120_2013-2014/bills/308.htm
First of all, let's address the issue of "no guns signs" in SC. In answer to oneounceload's question: "Does that mean then, that a restaurant can just post a sign and eliminate what the Governor just signed?"
Yes. In fact, in SC "no guns signs" have the force of law by state statute Section 23-31-235". The wording of this bill in not to be confused with changing anything about that...private businesses could forbid the carry of firearms in their establishments whether this bill specifically said so or not.
When I say these signs have the force of law in SC, I mean they aren't treated like a "no trespassing" violation. In VA, for example, such signs do not have the force of law...however, if you are asked to leave, then you must or you can be charged with trespassing. In SC if you carry concealed in a place posted in accordance with the law, you can be charged with a criminal violation of the law specifically concerning carrying a concealed weapon. And that means you can lose your CCW license (among other things).
In response to Sam1911's question: "Does SC have separate rules on being in a bar, or having a drink while carrying, or does this eliminate that kind of thing?"
Prior to this bill, the issue of drinking alcohol in such establishments while carrying concealed was a moot point: carrying in bars or restaurants which served alcohol was not allowed, therefore neither was drinking while carrying concealed in them. There are, however, no laws about a person having any drinks at all while carrying, say, at their own house, a friends house, or elsewhere.
This new law specifically says that one may carry a concealed weapon in establishments which serve alcohol but they may NOT consume alcohol
while on the premises. No law says that they cannot consume alcohol elsewhere.
